While they’re from the same order as regular potatoes, sweet potatoes are part of different species and a different family. Sweet potatoes are available in a variety of colors, the most common colors being white-cream and yellow-orange. We also have sweet potatoes with purple flesh and they’re packed with antioxidants.
Most importantly, sweet potatoes have excellent nutritional values, and here are 15 nutritional facts about them:
1. Sweet potatoes have natural sugars that minimize and stabilize the insulin resistance in diabetics. They’re also beneficial for regulating the sugar levels.
2. Sweet potatoes are loaded with dietary fibers, which are excellent for digestion. Likewise, they avert colon cancer and help with constipation.
3. The carotenoids in sweet potatoes promote the production of Vitamin A, which helps in regenerating the respiratory system. Sweet potatoes are therefore ideal for individuals with respiratory complications, especially smokers.
4. Sweet potatoes also contain Vitamin D, which is great for the heart, teeth, bones, energy levels, skin, and for the normal function of the thyroid gland.
5. Sweet potato contains vitamin B6, which prevents strokes, heart attacks, and degenerative diseases.
6. The high content of potassium in sweet potatoes promotes healthy muscles and tissues. It also helps in easing swelling and cramps, relaxes the muscles, and provides energy.
7. Sweet potato also has Beta –carotene, which acts as an anti –oxidant and helps with arthritis, gout, and asthma. Likewise, it reduces aging effects and protects against lung and breast cancer.
8. The high content of folic acid makes sweet potatoes an excellent source of folic acid for healthy fetal development. Hence, pregnant women should consume lots of sweet potatoes.
9. The high potassium content in potatoes increases the oxygen flow, regulates the balance of the body’s water, and normalizes the heartbeats. On the other hand, the magnesium content acts as an anti-stress agent.
10. Sweet potatoes also have an abundance of Vitamin C, which is crucial for the entire body’s function.
11. The iron in sweet potatoes plays an integral role in the production of red and white blood cells. This explains why sweet potatoes are effective against anemia.
12. The water from boiled sweet potatoes can be used for treating the skin, especially for skin irritation, cleaning the pores, and absorbing impurities.
13. The manganese and iron in sweet potatoes can help soothe painful pre-menstrual symptoms.
14. The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes is also effective against dandruff and hair damage. It also stimulates hair growth.
15. You need to consume lots of sweet potatoes since they’re abundant in vitamins that are crucial for protein, enzyme, and carbohydrate metabolism. However, it’s advisable to consult your doctor if you’ve ever had oxalate urinary tractstones.
Source: http://www.houseofhealth.us/
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