Jicama is packed with nutrients and may provide several health benefits, including improved digestion, weight loss, and reduced risk of disease.
When we talk about digestion, we can tell you, jicama will be your gut's best friend. Simply put: jicama promotes digestion due to it being packed with fiber. Dietary fiber helps increase the bulk of the stool. This helps it move more smoothly through your digestive tract.
One cup (130 grams) of jicama contains 6.4 grams of fiber, which can help you meet your daily goals. Additionally, jicama contains a type of fiber called inulin. Studies show that inulin can increase stool frequency by up to 31% in people with constipation.
Jicama is also good for intestinal bacteria
Jicama is high in inulin, which is a prebiotic fiber.
A prebiotic is a substance that the bacteria in your body can use, resulting in health benefits. While your digestive system can't digest or absorb prebiotics like inulin, bacteria in your gut can ferment them. A diet rich in prebiotics increases the population of "good" bacteria in your gut and decreases the number of unhealthy bacteria.
Studies have shown that the types of bacteria in your gut can affect your weight, immune system, and even mood.
Eating prebiotic foods promotes the growth of the types of bacteria that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease.