Sweet potato benefits a lot of people especially in the realm of keeping one’s body fit and fine. However, not many people know about the various sweet potato benefits that are present. Thus, to know all about sweet potato benefits read this blog.
This will help you learn more about the benefits of sweet potatoes. Also, with that, you will also know about sweet potato nutrition and sweet potato calories. Thus, by all means, you will get to know about potato calories and potato nutrition in a proper way.
About Sweet Potato
The sweet potato also known as Ipomoea batatas is known to be a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. It is known to be large, and starchy. Furthermore, its sweet-tasting tuberous roots are used as a root vegetable.
The young shoots and leaves are sometimes eaten as greens. The cultivators of the sweet potato have been bred to bear tubers with flesh and skin of various colours. The sweet potato is known to be distantly related to the common potato which is called solanum tuberosum.
Both of these potatoes stay in the order Solanales. Although, the darker sweet potatoes are often referred to as “yams” in parts of North America, the species is even more distant from the true yams, which are monocots in the order Dioscoreales.
Sweet Potato Benefits
Below given are some sweet potato benefits that you must know in all forms. Therefore, start by getting to know about each of these sweet potato benefits. This will help you know more about the benefits of sweet potato, and in the long run, you will be able to embrace the benefits of sweet potato.
Rich in Nutrients
- A regular sweet potato is known to be an excellent source of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. This is very important for eye health and immune function. They also provide vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and B-vitamins like B6.
- The vibrant orange colour of sweet potatoes comes from beta-carotene. This is known to be an antioxidant that helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.
Supports Eye Health
The high levels of beta-carotene in a potato which is sweet are converted into vitamin A in the body. This is extremely crucial for maintaining healthy vision and reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration thus bringing in benefits in the realm of health.
Promotes Digestive Health
- Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber. Thus, by all means, it helps to improve digestion, regulate bowel movements, and support a healthy gut microbiome.
- The fiber also contributes to better blood sugar control and can help with weight management by promoting satiety.
Boosts Immune Function
The vitamin A and vitamin C content in sweet potatoes also support immune function. Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system by supporting the production of white blood cells. On the other hand, vitamin A is essential for the maintenance of mucosal surfaces, which act as a barrier against pathogens.
Supports Heart Health
- Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium and this is what helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease.
- The anthocyanins and other antioxidants in sweet potatoes may help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve overall heart health.
Helps Regulate Blood Sugar
Despite the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, it is known to have a low to moderate glycemic index. This on a large scale goes onto mean that this causes a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar compared to other high-carb foods. Thus, this makes them a good choice for people managing diabetes or those looking to maintain steady energy levels.
Aids Weight Management
The fiber in sweet potatoes helps to promote the feeling of fullness. This can help control the concept of appetite and prevent overeating. Plus, combined with their relatively low-calorie content, sweet potatoes by all means, can be a satisfying addition to meals for weight management.
Improves Skin Health
Sweet potatoes are known to be very high in vitamin A content as it supports healthy skin by promoting cell turnover and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin C also helps in the production of collagen, which is essential for skin elasticity.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The antioxidants in sweet potatoes, such as beta-carotene and anthocyanins. Sweet potatoes also happen to have anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce chronic inflammation in the body, which is known to be a factor linked to many diseases, including arthritis and heart disease.
Versatile and Easy to Incorporate into Meals
Sweet potatoes can be prepared in various ways. This means that it can be baked, boiled, mashed, roasted, or even used in soups and stews. This makes it easy to enjoy their health benefits while adding flavor and variety to your meals.
Thus, these are the benefits of eating sweet potatoes. Thus, by all means, consume a sweet potato today and absorb the benefits of sweet potato goodness. This will help you to be in the best state as you will be properly utilizing all the sweet potato benefits. Thus, get started bringing sweet potato benefits into your life by consuming sweet potato today.
Sweet Potato Nutritional Quotient
Know all about the sweet potato calories and other nutrients that are present in this vegetable. Thus, get to know all about the sweet potato benefits now but from the nutritional point of view.
- Calories: 86 kcal
- Water: 77.3 g
- Protein: 1.57 g
- Total Fat: 0.05 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.12 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.0 g
- Sugars: 4.18 g
Vitamins
- Vitamin A (RAE): 709 µg (78% DV)
- Vitamin C: 2.4 mg (4% DV)
- Vitamin B6: 0.209 mg (16% DV)
- Folate (B9): 11 µg (3% DV)
- Vitamin E: 0.26 mg (1% DV)
- Thiamine (B1): 0.078 mg (7% DV)
- Riboflavin (B2): 0.029 mg (2% DV)
- Niacin (B3): 0.556 mg (4% DV)
- Pantothenic Acid (B5): 0.377 mg (7% DV)
Minerals
- Potassium: 337 mg (10% DV)
- Magnesium: 25 mg (6% DV)
- Calcium: 30 mg (3% DV)
- Iron: 0.61 mg (3% DV)
- Phosphorus: 47 mg (7% DV)
- Zinc: 0.3 mg (3% DV)
- Copper: 0.08 mg (9% DV)
- Manganese: 0.15 mg (8% DV)
- Sodium: 55 mg (2% DV)
Sweet Potato Benefits Gained Through Recipes
Below are some recipes that highlight the sweet potato benefits through recipes. Thus, go through each one of these recipes to highlight the benefits of sweet potato. This will let you view the sweet potatoes in a different manner and also embrace the sweet potato benefits in the best manner possible. Thus, get started with it:
Baked Sweet Potato
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
Topping Ideas
1) Butter or vegan butter
2) Sea salt
3) Chives
4) Greek yogurt or tzatziki
5) Guacamole
6)Creamy avocado cilantro lime dressing
Instructions
1) Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2) Place a piece of foil on a baking sheet.
3) Use a fork to poke holes into the sweet potatoes and set them on the baking sheet.
4) Roast the sweet potatoes for about 40 to 50 minutes or until they are puffed up and soft inside when pierced with a fork.
5) Serve the sweet potatoes with desired toppings.
Sweet Potato Salad
Ingredients
1) 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 lb.)
2) 1 small red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
3) 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4) Kosher salt
5) Freshly ground black pepper
6) 1/2 c. dried cranberries
7) 1/2 c. crumbled feta
8) 1/4 c. freshly chopped parsley
For the dressing
1) 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2) 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
3) 1 Tbsp. honey
4) 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
5) 1/4 tsp. ground paprika
6) 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
1) Preheat the oven to 400°.
2) On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the sweet potatoes and red onion in oil then season with salt and pepper to harmonize the sweet potato benefits.
3) Distribute them evenly on a sheet in a single layer.
4) Bake until the sweet potatoes are tender for about 20 minutes.
5) Let it cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a large bowl.
6) Meanwhile, make the dressing. Thus, take a small bowl or in a medium liquid measuring cup, whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey, and spices.
7) Gradually pour in oil, whisking constantly until emulsified.
8) Season with salt and pepper.
9) Toss the sweet potatoes with dressing, cranberries, feta, and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature for the sweet potato benefits to stay in.
Conclusion
Thus, by all means, these are the sweet potato benefits that you should know thoroughly. Therefore, know all the sweet potato benefits so that the next time you learn about the sweet potato, you will know about its sweet potato benefits. Plus, you will also be able to seep in all the sweet potato benefits with the recipes.
FAQs
Does sweet potato benefit everybody?
Ans: Yes. Sweet potato benefits everybody.
Can everybody have sweet potato to bring the benefits of sweet potato to their health?
Ans: Yes.
Is sweet potato tasty?
Ans: Yes. It is tasty.
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