Inhame (Dioscorea sp.): alimento funcional?

Yam is a tuber with important characteristics. It has been used, among other purposes, such as nutritional additive to add functional properties to preparations. Its use for medicinal purposes has been reported since the 50s by ancient China. Recent studies point to the beneficial effect and reinforce a variety of properties related to the tuber consumption, or its bioactive compounds isolated, such as immunomodulatory, antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity and exert modulatory role in absorption and metabolism of lipids and glucose and be used in the treatment of menopause and prevention of cancer and hypertension. However, the proportional relationship between consumption and benefits as well as the best way to intake, are not clearly established in the literature. Scientific designs which intend to establish this relationship and verify the benefits of yam consumption are required.