Bitter yam poisoning occurs when the yam is eaten raw, undercooked or not properly processed. 1, 2 Common ways of processing this yam species in our environment include soaking it in water for several hours (usually overnight) and drying. 3 The toxic components include histamines, furanoidnorditerpenes and dioscorine.
Is yam supposed to be bitter?
Abstract. Wild yams make a significant contribution to diets of tribal people in Nepal. However, these wild tubers are unpalatable, taste bitter, produce inflammation and show occasional toxicity.
Why does my fried yam taste bitter?
Food vendors fry yam in deep pots with a lot of oil covering the yam. This allows oil to take over the yam throughout the frying process and yam doesn't stick to frying pan to burn. At home, most people use small oil and frying pan which leaves yam slighly burnt with bitter taste.
Are Bitter yams poisonous?
Wild, uncooked bitter yam can be UNSAFE to eat or take by mouth as medicine. It contains chemicals that can be poisonous and cause seizures. Bitter yam also contains chemicals similar to the prescription drug digoxin (Lanoxin). These chemicals could cause a dangerously irregular heartbeat.
Can yam be poisonous?
Naturally occurring plant proteins found in yams can be toxic and cause illness if consumed raw. Peeling and cooking yams thoroughly will remove any harmful substances ( 17 ). Summary: Sweet potatoes contain oxalates that can increase the risk of kidney stones.
