Carbohydrate

Almost all the carbohydrates in yams--nearly 40 grams in a 1-cup serving--are healthy complex carbs. These carbs fuel your body, allowing you to conserve your protein for uses other than energy production. Yams are also rich in fiber, a type of carbohydrate your body does not digest. While not a fuel source for your body, fiber helps maintain a healthy digestive tract and correlates with a decreased risk of obesity, heart disease and some forms of cancer.