Latest News

Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes
Tuesday, April 30, 2019 IST
Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are roots and do not belong to the same category with potatoes, which are tubers, despite the similar name.
 

 
 

The ones with a darker color are sometimes mistakenly named yams. Yams are harder in texture, and have a distinct earthy flavor, and are whitish to purplish in color.
 
Sweet potatoes can be of various types, with orange, yellow, purple, and white flesh. They may also be different in size and shape, from blocky and short to thin and long.
 
Especially the ones in deeper colors are high in carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. They are also abundant in vitamin B6, vitamin C, B2, E and biotin (B7). Sweet potatoes are also rich in minerals like iron, copper, manganese, and folate. They are also rich in dietary fiber, and pantothenic acid.
 
Additionally, they are a rich source of plant proteins, and are low in calories and sugar, so they regulate blood sugar.
 
These are the most important health benefits of sweet potatoes:
 
Diabetes:  Sweet potatoes are excellent blood sugar regulators, and stabilize and reduce insulin resistance, so they are perfect in the case of diabetes.
 
Immune system: The regular consumption of sweet potatoes boosts the immune system and prevents infections.
 
Fetal development:  They are rich in folates which are needed for a healthy fetal cell and tissue development.
 
Anti-oxidant properties:  They have potent antioxidant properties which fight off inflammatory issues such as gout, asthma, arthritis, etc.
 
Emphysema:  Research has found that smoke leads to vitamin A deficiency and numerous issues to the lungs. Therefore, smokers and individuals who inhale second-hand smoke should regularly eat foods rich in vitamin A.
 
Healthy digestive tract:  Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, especially concentrated in the skin, so they promote a healthy digestive tract, treat constipation, and protect against colon cancer.
 
Muscle cramps: Potassium deficiency leads to cramps in the muscles and increased susceptibility to injury. Therefore, the consumption of sweet potatoes is recommended in the case of regular exercise, as they prevent injuries, muscle cramps, and boosts the energy levels.
 
Stress:  In the case of stress, the metabolic rate increases, and reduces the levels of potassium in the body. The consumption of sweet potatoes normalizes the heartbeat and restores the balance of this essential mineral.
 
Heart diseases: The consumption of sweet potatoes prevents strokes and heart attacks. It supports the function of the heart, normalizes blood pressure, and maintains the balance of fluids and electrolytes.
 
 Consumption Tips
 
You should keep the sweet potatoes in the open, not refrigerated, or in plastic bags. You should store them in a cool, dark place, with good ventilation. You can keep them thus for up to 10 days.
 
Avoid sweet potatoes with a green discoloration, as it shows the presence of a toxin known as solanine. Choose the firm ones, without wrinkles.

 
 

If possible, always choose the darker variant of the sweet potatoes, as it is richer in carotene.
 
It may be surprising, but cooking makes the nutrients in sweet potatoes more available in the body. Therefore, you can bake, boil, or steam them.
 
You can prepare sweet potatoes in various ways. Yet, make sure you do not remove their skin, as it includes most nutrients. You should scrub it well with a vegetable brush, and you can choose to cool it, steam it, or add it to the food processor, and mix it with flaxseed oil, honey, and yogurt, to prepare as a smoothie.

 
 
 
 
 

Related Topics

 
 
 

Trending News & Articles

 Article
12 Early Signs Of Lung Cancer To Never Ignore

Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...

Recently posted . 8K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
11 Surprising Benefits Of Wood Apple Or Bael Fruit

The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...

Recently posted . 5K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
10 Amazing Benefits Of Bael (Kaitha)

Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...

Recently posted . 5K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
These 7 Remedies Can Remove The Milia (Milk Spots) From Your Face

Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...

Recently posted . 5K views . 2 min read
 

 
 

More in Food & Health

 Article
E-cigarettes are as dangerous as smoking. It can double the risk of heart attack

The study also found that the risks compound, so that daily use of both e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes raises the heart attack risk five-fold in compari...

Recently posted. 868 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
Ten Simple Tips to Make Food Taste Better

Sometimes it's the small touches that make the biggest difference when you're in the kitchen. Here are some simple tips from America's Test Kitchen fo...

Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read
 

 Article
Frozen Aloe Vera Better Than The Fresh One?

We have all heard of the advantages of refreshing Aloe solution, but are you aware that frozen Aloe Vera gel is actually even more helpful and more reliable in its ...

Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
 

 Reviews
Top 7 Best Electric Rice Cookers in India



Recently posted . 1K views . 76 min read
 

 Article
DIET COKE EXPOSED: WHAT HAPPENS 1 HOUR AFTER DRINKING A CAN OF DIET COKE

It’s been a mad few days over at Truth Theory, we published an article by Niraj Naik called What Happens One Hour After Drinking A Can Of Coke and it went vir...

Recently posted. 894 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
The 2 Benefits of Burning and Vaporizing Bay Leaves In Your House

Bay leaves are a common staple in many people’s spice collections. The dried green leaves are most commonly used in cooking and many people drop a leaf or t...

Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
 

 
 
 

   Prashnavali

  Thought of the Day

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.
Anonymous

Be the first one to comment on this story

Close
Post Comment
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST


ads
Back To Top