Sweet potatoes are root vegetables grown across the globe. Their bright orange color makes them attractive, as well as rich in nutrients. Many people don’t realize how much more nutritious they are than their white potato cousins. Here is a list of ten amazing health benefits of sweet potatoes.
Top Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
1. Support digestion
Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber. They can help prevent constipation, as well as colon cancer.
2. Full of antioxidants
Beta carotene is what gives sweet potatoes their bright orange color. It acts as an antioxidant and helps fight free radicals. These antioxidants combat asthma, inflammation, and gout, while also helping in the prevention of breast and lung cancers.
3. Good for your bones
Vitamin D is necessary for healthy teeth, bones, heart, skin, and energy levels. In addition, D helps your thyroid to function properly.
4. Heart health
Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and balances electrolytes and fluids. Adequate consumption of potassium can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
5. Reduce muscle cramping
Potassium deficiency can lead to muscle cramping and injuries. Therefore, potassium helps keep your muscles functioning at their optimal performance levels.
6. Prenatal care
Sweet potatoes are full of folic acid, which is one of the key nutrients in fetal development. This makes them an excellent choice for expectant mothers.
7. Help fight infections
Vitamin C is crucial for our bodies to fight off viruses and infections. Sweet potatoes have an abundance of Vitamin C!
8. Support healthy lungs and fight emphysema
Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A. This vitamin provides essential support in healing all respiratory aliments, as well as combating emphysema.
9. Good for the eyes
Vitamin A is also a key component in good eye health.
10. Excellent for diabetics
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic choice for diabetics! Unlike many other root vegetables, sweet potatoes are not rich in sugars. They actually regulate blood sugar levels and help stabilize resistance to insulin.
How to pick a good sweet potato
Look for sweet potatoes with the darkest skin and brightest centers. These veggies contain the highest amount of nutrients. Store them just like you would a regular potato; cool dark place, not in the fridge, not in plastic. Make sure there is no green tint to the potatoes. This could indicate the presence of solanine, a toxic substance. Choose a firm potato, with unwrinkled skin, and feel free to eat the skin. It is loaded with nutrients. Enjoy!
Sources:
http://www.keephealthylife.pw/2016/12/15-health-benefits-of-sweet-potatoes.html
http://www.nashfeed.net/2017/04/here-8-benefits-of-sweet-potatoes-can.html
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