I’m tired of every vegetable being called a Super Food. To me, all vegetables are super foods, as they all provide a wide array of beneficial nutrients.
So, today I’d like to introduce you to my latest Fun Food…the Jicama Root.
The Perfect Compliment to Any Salad
Jicama is technically a legume, although it is treated like a regular root vegetable. It looks like a potato, but tastes more like an apple 🙂
Jicama is eaten raw, just peel the outer skin, then slice it to your desired thickness.  We use a peeler or mandolin to slice it super thin, then add it to our salads, providing a unique texture, some crunch and a little sweetness.
Jicama – Health Benefits
Jicama root contains many unique health properties, one of those being oligofructose inulin – which, is found in it’s fiber content.
Oligofructose inulin is great for:
- bone health – helping to protect against osteoporosis
- promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut – helping to maintain a healthy colon and immune system function
Jicama root also contains high quantities of:
- potassium – don’t tell the bananas 😉
- calcium – great for bone health
- fiber – low calories + high fiber = good for weight loss
- vitamin c – important antioxidant for a healthy immune system and anti-aging
- vitamin b6 – supports healthy brain function
- iron – keeps cells in blood healthy
Last, but not least, Jicama is a very low calorie, low glycemic food – making it a great option for weight loss!
Jicama –Â Where to Find Them
Jicama Root is not a widely known or used in the United States, but is very popular throughout Latin American and the Caribbean, which is where they are primarily grown and harvested. Jicama is available at both Publix and Winn Dixie, as well as Earth Fare and Whole Foods. They are in the refrigerated part of the produce section.