This week we are exploring the mysterious Jicama! Learn more about the nutritional benefits, it’s unique type of calorie-free starch (you heard that right) and a recipe to get you started enjoying the wide world of cooking with jicama!
Jicama: What it is, what it does and how to eat it!
Low in calories but high in a few vital nutrients, jicama is a bit of a contradiction when it comes to its starch content. It provides one quarter of what’s needed daily in fiber per serving. But not just any fiber, jicama’s fiber is infused with oligofructose inulin, which has zero calories and doesn’t metabolize in the body. Inulin, a fructan, promotes bone health by enhancing absorption of calcium from other foods, protecting against osteoporosis. Inulin has a prebiotic role in the intestine – it promotes “good” bacteria growth that maintains both a healthy colon and balanced immunity.
Because it has a very low glycemic index, jicama is a great food for diabetics, and low in calories for those interested in weight reduction. Jicama is also an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C – 44% of the daily value per serving – and a powerful antioxidant that zaps free radicals to protect against cancer, inflammation, viral cough, cold, and infections.
Besides healthy amounts of potassium, this little powerhouse can help promote heart health, since high-potassium vegetables and fruit are linked to lower risks of heart disease. Jicama contains important vitamins like folates, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and thiamin, and the minerals magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese. Like potatoes, they should be used sparingly due to the high carbohydrates content.
This little power house is great for a snack with hummus fun in salads or sprinkle with sea salt, and squeeze lime and dip into mashed avocado! Enjoy!
Diva-licous Recipe
JICAMA SLAW
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 1 stevia packet
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 jicama, peeled and cut into julienne strips
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
DIRECTIONS:
- Whisk together the lime juice, oil, stevia, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
- Add jicama, onion, and cilantro and toss well.
- Pour over bed of spinach and sliced strawberries.
Enjoy! Don’t forget we have all of our recipes on our Blog page or use the link below!
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