Jicama is crunchy, slightly sweet, and full of beneficial nutrients.
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Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) is an interesting plant thats full of contradictions.
The inside flesh is white.
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you might eat the bulbous roots (sometimes called tubers) but not much else.
Heres what they had to say about the nutritional benefits jicama has to offer.
Jicama Benefits
Jicama is more than a food that adds some much-needed crunch to your favorite recipes.
Jen Causey
In fact, the hearty legume has health benefits that can positively impact many parts of the body.
Adults generally needbetween 22 and 34 gramsof fiber per day, but most Americans arent hitting that threshold.
Thats wherefiber-rich foodslike jicama come in.
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A one-cup serving of raw jicama provides more than 6 grams of dietary fiber, per theUSDA.
This is because its anantioxidantknown for supporting a healthy immune system.
Citrus fruits and their juices are potent sources of vitamin C, but so is jicama.
Kristina Vanni
As Roney points out, antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage.
This could reduce the risk of disease.
The fiber found in jicama can support heart health by lowering total and badLDL cholesterol, she explains.
Jicama is hydrating
Jicama is made up of roughly90 percent water.
Jicamas high water content makes it ahydrating snackand ingredient, saysMia Syn, RDN, a Charleston-based dietitian.
Syn notes that it makes a good low-calorie snack, too.
Inone animal study, jicama prevented blood glucose spikes and excessive weight gain in mice fed a high-sugar diet.
Jicama skin, vines, and beans are all toxic.
The root is the edible part, so separate it from the rest of the plant and peel it.
A popular way to cook jicama is in the oven orair fryer.
Slicing jicama into sticks and cooking them creates whats known as jicama fries.
They look similar to potato-based fries, but the taste and texture will be slightly different.
Jicama fries are also healthier than standard French fries.
Thisshrimp recipecalls for coconut milk, chili, and lime, so naturally, it also calls for jicama.
The salad also contains orange juice and cheese, so its equal parts sweet, savory, and refreshing.
Jicama Fries
Kristina Vanni
If you want to try cooked jicama, this recipe is for you.
