Sweet potatoes are a delicious root vegetable that is packed with nutrients and vitamins, which makes them a great health food. Many people opt for sweet potatoes over yellow potatoes because they are lower in carbohydrates, making them a great diet staple. Sweet potatoes also contain protein and fiber.
With that said, here are five reasons why you should consider eating more sweet potatoes.
5 Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
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1. High in nutrients: One cup of sweet potato (with skin) packs 180 calories, 41.1 grams of carbs, four grams of protein, 0.3 grams of fat, 6.6 grams of fiber, vitamin A, C, B6, manganese, potassium, copper, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Sweet potatoes are also high in antioxidants, which are necessary to protect the body against free radical damage.
2. Gut health: Sweet potatoes contain soluble and insoluble fiber which, although it cannot be broken down by the body, stays in the gut to provide health benefits. Soluble fiber helps to absorb water and makes stools softer. Fiber can become fermented, creating short-chain fatty acids that help keep your gut and intestines healthy.
3. Supports vision: Orange-colored fruits and vegetables, like carrots, are good for your eyes because they possess antioxidants that protect the eyes. One cup of cooked sweet potato provides the body with seven times the amount of eye-healthy antioxidants than is required.
4. Brain function: Anthocyanins is found in purple sweet potatoes and has been linked to brain protection in animal studies. It reduces inflammation and protects against free radical damage.
5. Immune system: Vitamins and antioxidants found in sweet potatoes can help boost your immune system. This is because much of your immune cells are in the gut, and having a healthy gut can improve your immune system.
Just like other potatoes, sweet potatoes can be cooked and prepared in several different ways, from baking, roasting, to making soup. Finding fun ways to eat sweet potatoes helps ensure you eat them regularly and support good health.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
