4 Impressive benefits of eating cocoyam during pregnancy

Last Updated On January 2, 2026

Eating cocoyam during pregnancy may help supply nutrients like manganese, vitamins B6, C, E, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which support the mother & unborn child. Cocoyam is incredibly beneficial to women who eat it during pregnancy. It’s safe and a good source of nutrients for the baby’s development.

4 Impressive benefits of eating cocoyam during Pregnancy

1. Prolong energy:

It has been confirmed that eating cocoyam during pregnancy can increase agility. This can be attributed to its indigestible starch content, which provides sustained energy.

2. Lowers the risks of gestational weight gain.

According to reports from experts, excessive gestational weight gain is often associated with cravings, which are common during pregnancy. However, cocoyam is a promising carbohydrate food that not only boosts energy but also reduces hunger or craving during this period and helps prevent pregnant women from gaining more weight.

3. Excellent source of resistant starch.

Cocoyam is a proven source of resistant starch. Unlike other carb foods such as yams and cassava, cocoyam is an excellent source of resistant starch, which is an indigestible carbohydrates that offer many incredible health benefits.

4. Lowers the risk of high blood sugar levels

Eating cocoyam during pregnancy can help women gain more control over their blood sugar levels. Yes, intake can help maintain more stable blood sugar levels and reduce anxiety attributed to fluctuating blood sugar, which is particularly important during pregnancy.

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Other Health Benefits of Cocoyam

1. May improve menstruation in females.

The Leaves of cocoyam have medicinal properties and may improve menstruation in females when they drink a decoction of the leaves.

Vitamins E and C found in cocoyam act as antioxidants for enhancing body immunity and sperm quality. [13]

In terms of the responsibilities it plays in enabling other minerals to function, vitamin C and E are among the most important fertility boosters.

Vitamin C may also boost progesterone levels in women who have luteal phase anomalies— a disorder marked by insufficient progesterone.

Vitamin B6 found in cocoyam helps to balance body hormones, which are necessary for fertility. It helps treat irregular menstruation.

2. Supplies Important nutrients to the body

Cocoyam is a major source of most essential nutrients needed in the body, such as Fiber, Manganese, and Vitamin B6.
Vitamin E, Potassium, Copper, Vitamin C, Phosphorus, and Magnesium, as indicated in a study. [2]
You can have your share of these nutrients by simply eating a delectable cocoyam porridge and using the powdered extract as soup condiments.

3. Lowers Blood sugar level

Part of the starch found in Cocoyam is resistant starch — starch that can not be digested.

Resistant starch is important because it won’t increase [3, 4 ] your sugar level since it can’t be digested.

It may boost insulin sensitivity [5], lower the level of sugar in the blood, and decrease appetite due to its ability to resist digestion.

4. Offer protection against Cancer

Cocoyam contains important phytochemical compounds such as tannin and phytate that have inhibitory properties against cancer.

A study indicates that this phytochemical called phytate may inhibit the growth of human leukemia cells and colon cancer cells [6].

Another related study revealed that the extract of cocoyam may hinder the growth of a certain type of prostate and breast cancer [7].

5. Aid in weight loss

The intake of Cocoyam as food may help in weight management due to the presence of resistant starch and high fiber content.

A study indicates fiber is helpful in weight management as it makes you less hungry, hence the number of your calorie intake will decrease by [8].

Also, Cocoyam has a good quantity of resistant starch, which stays longer in your belly and lowers your appetite.

6. Promote a healthy heart

Potassium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium are essential minerals that may promote healthy bones and improve heart function.

Potassium can help stabilize heartbeats, while magnesium may help prevent certain heart diseases [9].

The fiber found in this plant also contributes you improve your heart functions [10]. Fiber may also lower the risk of certain heart diseases, a study stated [11, 12].

Uses of Cocoyam (Plant, Leaves, corms)

Source Of Food For Man And Animals

Cocoyam (Taro) has several uses; both the plant, leaves, corms, and corms are beneficial as food and have medicinal value.

We eat Cocoyam as food

Both the corms and the leaves are filled with nutrients and serve as food.

• Cook as porridge: Peel a desired quantity of the corms, slice them into pieces, wash them, and use them  to prepare a delectable porridge
• Soup condiments: Cook the Corms and grind them into pasta with red oil, use it as a soup condiment to prepare your nutritious meal.
• On the Go Snacks: Slice the Corms into thin pieces, then bake or fry them into chips. Cocoyam chips are tasty and nutritious, and can be eaten anywhere, anytime.

A source of ingredients for medicine

Leaves are a source of medicinal ingredients.
Juice of petioles is used as an herb traditionally to stop bleeding and for treating Wounds. Also, the leaves may improve menstruation when taking smoothies, and other uses you will discover as you go further.

Source of income

In most African countries, such as Nigeria, Cocoyam is a major source of livelihood for many peasants. It is cultivated commercially and sold in markets to generate money.

Is cocoyam a protein or a carbohydrate

Cocoyam is a carbohydrate food whose end product is glucose. However, this type of carbohydrate does not raise sugar levels because some parts are resistant to digestion.

Cocoyam flour

Peel off the bark of the fresh corms, wash and sundry, then grind it into powder which can serve various purposes such as;

• Cocoyam cake: The flour can be baked as cakes— mix with your baking ingredients and seasonings, and pan fry until crispy.
• As Tea: Blend powdered flour with your tea ingredients and mix with hot water before you drink.
• Condiment for white soup: Popular white soup in most parts of Nigeria can be prepared using cocoyam flour.

Cocoyam side effects

Cocoyam side effects or downsides. Eating cocoyam during pregnancy has both mouth-watering benefits and uses of cocoyam, and possible downsides.

1. Excessive intake may prevent nutrient absorption due to its high phytate content.
2. High intake may cause Skin Irritation.
3. Body contact with the sap from the leaves may cause scratchiness.
4. Avoid the intake of half-cooked cocoyam as it may cause scratchiness in the mouth or throat.
5. The corms of cocoyam may not be safe for people with joint pain and high levels of acidity.

Takeaway

Intake of cocoyam during pregnancy comes with some impressive benefits. In fact, its benefits should not be limited to only pregnant women, because it’s a nutrient-packed plant with numerous health benefits; its side effects can be prevented if consumed moderately.
It can be eaten in several ways, and even crunchy chips, which are eaten as snacks on the go, can be made from it.

Contain enough fiber and resistant starch, both of which may lower the risk of heart conditions. It may also help against cancer due to phytate. Vitamin B6 cocoyam may help reduce nausea for pregnant women.