Is jicama keto friendly? – Calories, Nutrition and Keto Recipes

Is jicama Keto-Friendly?

Yes, jicama is considered to be keto-friendly. With a low glycemic index and high fiber content, jicama does not elevate blood sugar levels quickly – a cornerstone feature of the ketogenic diet. Nevertheless, it does contain some carbs, so it’s best to consume it in moderation.

Nutritional Facts About jicama

Jicama, also known as Mexican yam or Mexican turnip, is packed with nutrients that make it a healthy addition to any diet. It boasts high levels of Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and a significant amount of potassium. It’s also a good source of essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and copper.

Nutrition	Per 100 grams	Per 1 Oz
Calories	38	11
Carbs	8.8 g	2.5 g
Sugar	1.8 g	0.5 g
Protein	0.7 g	0.2 g
Fat	0.1 g	0.03 g
Impact on Ketosis	Low	Low

What is the Average Weight?

A single jicama root can weigh anywhere from 0.5 to 2 kg (1 to 4 pounds) on average, although it can sometimes be even larger.

Additional Information About jicama

Besides being low in calories, jicama has a high water content, which makes it a satisfying snack that can keep you feeling full. It’s also rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A, E, and C integral for supporting your immune system, skin health, and eye health. It contains a special type of fiber called inulin, which acts as a prebiotic to support gut health.

Other Foods To Match With

Jicama’s light and crunchy texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a versatile addition to a variety of dishes. It can be used in place of water chestnuts in stir-fry, included in a vegetable platter, or added to salads for added crunch. It pairs particularly well with citrusy flavors, and can be sprinkled with chili powder and lime for a simple but flavorful treat. Also, it can be used as a healthier alternative to chips or fries when baked.

8 Famous Keto-Friendly Dishes To Try

1. Keto Jicama French Fries

Jicama, due to its low carb content and crisp texture, is an ideal alternative to potato in making Keto Jicama French Fries. This dish pairs jicama with flavorful spices such as paprika and cayenne for a nutritious and flavorful experience. Paired with your favorite sugar-free ketchup, it’s a keto win.

2. Keto Jicama Slaw

This Keto Jicama Slaw is refreshing, crunchy and perfect for a low-carb diet. Asides jicama, it consists of cabbage, cilantro, lime and creamy, sugar-free dressing. It’s a great side dish or topping for your keto tacos, burgers, and grilled meats.

3. Chopped Mexican Salad with Jicama and Avocado

A vibrant combination of jicama, avocados, tomatoes, and cucumbers, dressed in a tangy lime dressing, this salad is nutrient-packed and keto-friendly. The dish highlights the crunchy texture of jicama, paired beautifully with creamy avocado and fresh veggies.

4. Keto Jicama Nachos

Ideal for snack time, Keto Jicama Nachos replaces the traditional tortilla chips with crispy jicama slices. It’s topped with a healthy dose of grass-fed beef, cheese, and keto-friendly toppings, like avocado and sour cream, resulting in a filling, satisfying dish.

5. Grilled Jicama with Chimichurri

This is a delightful way to enjoy jicama on a ketogenic diet. The earthy, slightly sweet taste of jicama toned with a fiery chimichurri sauce makes this an exciting side dish. The jicama is kept low-carb by grilling it rather than frying.

6. Keto Jicama Shrimp Tacos

Jicama Shrimp Tacos make for a delicious, low-carb, keto-friendly meal. These tacos use thin slices of jicama as the taco shell, filled with seasoned shrimp, shredded lettuce, and tangy salsa. It’s an innovative take on traditional tacos while keeping your diet goals in mind.

7. Keto Jicama Bites

Keto Jicama Bites are bite-sized snacks made of jicama slices topped with a variety of keto-friendly toppings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh herbs. These are perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer that offers a balanced taste and texture.

8. Jicama and Cucumber Salad

This jicama and cucumber salad is a refreshing and hydrating side dish that’s perfect for a keto diet. The combination of crunchy jicama, crisp cucumber, and a tangy lime dressing makes for a delightful flavor. Sprinkling on some chili powder and sea salt adds a zesty twist.

These recipes show that jicama, due to its low carb content, can indeed be incorporated into a keto diet in a variety of tasty ways.

Frequently Asked Questions about jicama and Keto

Is jicama keto-friendly?

Yes, jicama is considered keto-friendly. This root vegetable is high in fiber and contains a limited amount of net carbohydrates (total carbs minus fiber), which is the key factor for a food’s keto compatibility. For every 100 gram serving, there are roughly 9 grams of total carbs and 5 grams of dietary fiber, resulting in approximately 4 grams of net carbs, making it a good option for those on the keto diet.

How many carbs are in jicama?

One cup (roughly 130 grams) of raw jicama contains about 11 grams of total carbohydrates. However, due to its high fiber content of around 6 grams, the net carbs drop to around 5 grams per cup. Therefore, despite its sweet taste, jicama can still fit into a low-carb, ketogenic diet.

Can you eat jicama on a keto diet?

Absolutely, you can eat jicama while adhering to a keto diet. Its low net carb content makes it an ideal vegetable choice for this diet. It also offers a satisfying crunch similar to that of a potato, yet it doesn’t contain the high carbohydrate count typically associated with potatoes.

What are some keto-friendly ways to use jicama?

You can incorporate jicama into your keto diet in numerous ways. It can be eaten raw, roasted, or boiled. An excellent option is to use thin slices of jicama as a low-carb substitute for tortillas in tacos or to make healthy, baked jicama fries. Another idea is to add diced jicama to your salads for extra crunch and fresh taste.

What other nutritional benefits does jicama offer?

In addition to being a low-carb food item, jicama offers other nutritional benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, aiding in immune function and digestion respectively. Moreover, it contains potassium, which is valuable for heart health, and it is low in calories, with a 100 gram serving containing just 38 calories. Overall, jicama is a nutrient-rich, low-carb food item perfect for a balanced diet, including a keto diet.

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