Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

It’s so great when food that tastes good is actually good for you! When it comes to eating a healthy diet, sweet potatoes can be very beneficial, and of course, they taste great.
Ranking much lower on the glycemic index then regular potatoes and containing a higher density of nutrients, sweet potatoes have an impressive nutritional profile.  They are packed with potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6 which supports energy.  In addition, sweet potatoes are an excellent gluten-free option for those who are looking to replace carbohydrates in their diet.

Sweet Potato Health Benefits

According to various studies, the benefits of sweet potatoes include weight loss support, healthy eyes and skin, natural cancer fighting properties, healthy cholesterol levels, and healthy prostate support. These are just a few of the benefits.

One of The Highest Vitamin A Foods Available

There is arguably no other food on the planet contains more vitamin A than sweet potatoes.  Vitamin A is great for improving vision and eye health, helping the immune system and the reproduction system. Vitamin A also is also great for the heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes, skin, and other organs to work properly. 

Sweet Potatoes Reduce Insulin Resistance

Sweet potatoes are a low glycemic index food and are absorbed more slowly into the body than other foods. That means sweet potatoes, known as a “slow carb” food, can actually help control appetite, balance hunger and even help with weight loss when properly implemented. Sweet potatoes are also great for balancing blood sugar, and can help reduce the risk of insulin resistance.  

Strong Cancer Fighter

Researchers discovered that daily doses of sweet potatoes have slowed and actually stopped the progression of prostate cancer. Many people around the globe look to this delicious food and it’s entire root to assist with its healing capabilities.
Great for Brain Health.

Also, being a rich source of water-soluble flavonoids that are responsible for their various colors, research also suggests that isolated purple sweet potatoes “anthocyanins” can improve cognitive function and can even stop brain dysfunction!

Benefits for the Skin

Did You Know?  Eating sweet potatoes can greatly enhance the health of your skin due to the high content of beta-carotene, which helps convert vitamin A in your body, which triggers the production of new skin cells. The high beta-carotene content in sweet potatoes also helps reverse free radical damage. If you want healthy glowing skin, consider using sweet potato products to help keep your skin hydrated.

Amount Per 1 cup, cubes (133 g) equates to the following nutrition:

Calories 114    % Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.1 g             0%
Saturated fat 0 g         0%
Polyunsaturated fat     0 g
Monounsaturated fat   0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg             0%
Sodium 73 mg                 3%
Potassium 448 mg         12%
Total Carbohydrate 27 g  9%
Dietary fiber 4 g             16%
Sugar 6 g
Protein 2.1 g                    4%
Vitamin A                     377%
Vitamin C                         5%
Calcium                            4%
Iron                                   4%
Vitamin D                          0%
Vitamin B-6                     15%
Vitamin B-12                     0%
Magnesium                       8%

Sweet Potatoes are Great for Weight Loss

When eaten in proper portions and moderation, sweet potatoes are lower in calories than regular potatoes, plus they are low on the glycemic index, which means that they won’t spike your blood sugar. Sweet potatoes are also high in fiber and high in potassium, which is a great weight management aid.

Sweet Potato History

Sweet potatoes have been used as a valuable healing plant and food in South America for over 5,000 years. Their medicinal properties have been used to treat cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory-based conditions like heart disease. They have also been used as a valuable raw material in the development of medicines and even in industrial products.  The entire plant is utilized, not just the tasty storage root part, which we’re used to eating!

Sweet Potatoes vs. Yams

Sweet potatoes are lower in calories and higher in antioxidants, but yams contain higher levels of potassium. A true yam is a Caribbean native food that has the same white flesh color as a regular potato. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are from South America and are typically orange-colored flesh, but they can also be white or purple. Even those red-skinned root vegetables you might find in your local grocery store are more than likely sweet potatoes, not yams. Be sure to ask your grocer for assistance.

So now that you’ve learned everything about sweet potatoes and yams it’s time to get out there and buy some! They are easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and affordable to purchase. Make sure to seek out recipes and information about the power and deliciousness of sweet potatoes.