|
|
The Sweet Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are tubers. Although related to the potato, they are actually very different. Sweet potatoes are native to South America but are now cultivated in most tropical and warm temperate regions around the globe.
Sweet potatoes are often eaten boiled, baked or fried. They can also be turned into starch or a partial flour substitute. Many dishes and desserts have sweet potato as an ingredient. These include amukeke and inginyo in northeastern Uganda, bubur caca in Malaysia, candied sweet potatoes, pies and candies.
Sweet potato juice can also be combined with limejuice to create cloth dye. Some Taiwanese companies are making alcohol fuel from sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are rich in different nutrients including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, biotin, manganese, iron, copper, folic acid, pantothenic acid and dietary fiber. Because they are a good source of many essential vitamins and minerals, they are considered an excellent addition to any diet for they can improve overall health and wellbeing. Here are some of the benefits of eating sweet potatoes.
Sweet Potatoes Health Benefits
- The high Vitamin A content ensures that sweet potatoes act as neutralizing agents, helping get rid of free radicals and toxins in the body. This helps prevent cell damage, cancer and various diseases. Sweet potatoes are also helpful for smokers and passive smokers as cigarette smoke may cause Vitamin A deficiency.
- Sweet potatoes are beneficial for treating and preventing digestive problems like stomach ulcers, constipation, diarrhea and inflammation of the colon.
- Sweet potatoes are recommended for diabetics because they stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance.
- Sweet potatoes also have anti-inflammatory effects and are helpful in fighting conditions like asthma, gout and arthritis.
- Pregnant women can add sweet potatoes to their diet as the high folate content can help in the healthy development of fetal cells and tissues.
- Studies show that eating sweet potatoes on a regular basis helps in stress management. Because sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, blood pressure is regulated and heart rate is normalized.
When you go shopping for sweet potatoes, choose the darkest ones. The darker the sweet potato, the higher its beta-carotene content will be. Make sure that they are firm and not wrinkled. Avoid buying sweet potatoes with a green discoloration -- this indicates the presence of solanine, a toxic substance.
Also Read:
|
|
