Native to America, sweet potato is grown as an underground tuber and contain a wealth of nutrients and health benefits. Delicious in taste, they can be consumed in a variety of ways such as boiled, baked, steamed or fried.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
A raw sweet potato is a storehouse of water (77%), carbohydrates (20.1%), protein, fiber and minerals. Rich source of vitamins such as Vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, manganese and Vitamin E, they also house beneficial plant compounds such as beta carotene, chlorogenic acid, anthocyanins and coumarin. Abundant in essential minerals such as iron and magnesium, sweet potatoes are a preferred choice during fasting as well.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SWEET POTATOES
1 . Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
-With a medium to high glycemic index (44-96), they are a preferred option for the diabetics when taken in moderation.
-Manganese in the sweet potatoes help in metabolizing the carbohydrates, thereby maintain the sugar levels and avoid sugar spikes.
2 . Aid Digestion
-Rich in both soluble fiber (15-23%) such as pectin and insoluble fiber (77-85%) such as cellulose and lignin, they decrease the food intake and aids digestion.
-It is recommended to consume close to 21-38 grams of fiber a day to keep major disease conditions at bay.
3 . Promote Heart Health
-Rich in Vitamin B6, it helps reduce the homocysteine in the body that found to be linked with diseases such as heart attacks.
-The potassium of sweet potato helps in lowering the blood pressure by maintaining the fluid balance.
4 . Boost Immunity
-Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds such as anthocyanides and choline, sweet potatoes have been found to boost immunity and helps fight disease.
-Iron in the fruit also helps in providing resistance to stress, increases red and white cells production and regulates immune functioning
5 . Prevents Cancer
-Rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, sweet potatoes have been found to lower the risk of stomach, kidney and breast cancer.
-The antioxidant nature of the purple sweet potatoes has been found to be three times than that of blueberries
So, go ahead and prefer to pick sweet potatoes than potatoes for your grocery this time and reap its amazing benefits. Eat Healthy, Stay Happy!