Sweet potatoes are sweet, starchy root vegetables that are grown worldwide and are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Not to mention, they provide a number of health benefits and are easy to add to your diet.
Here are 6 surprising health benefits of sweet potatoes.
Highly Nutritious
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Calories: 180
Carbs: 41.4 grams
Protein: 4 grams
Fat: 0.3 grams
Fiber: 6.6 grams
Vitamin A: 769% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 65% of the DV
Manganese: 50% of the DV
Vitamin B6: 29% of the DV
Potassium: 27% of the DV
Pantothenic acid: 18% of the DV
Copper: 16% of the DV
Niacin: 15% of the DV
Promote Gut Health
The fiber and antioxidants in sweet potatoes are advantageous to gut health.
Sweet potatoes contain two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.
Your body cannot digest either type. Therefore, fiber stays within your digestive tract and provides a variety of gut-related health benefits.
The antioxidants in sweet potatoes may provide gut benefits as well.
Test-tube studies have found that antioxidants in purple sweet potatoes promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, including certain Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species.
Sweet potatoes contain fiber and antioxidants that promote the growth of good gut bacteria and contribute to a healthy gut.
Promote Gut Health
The fiber and antioxidants in sweet potatoes are advantageous to gut health.
Sweet potatoes contain two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.
Your body cannot digest either type. Therefore, fiber stays within your digestive tract and provides a variety of gut-related health benefits. Anthocyanins — a group of antioxidants found in purple sweet potatoes — have been found to slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells in test-tube studies.
Support Your Immune System
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are one of the richest natural sources of beta-carotene, a plant-based compound that is converted to vitamin A in your body.
Vitamin A is critical to a healthy immune system, and low blood levels have been linked to reduced immunity.
It’s also key for maintaining healthy mucous membranes, especially in the lining of your gut.
Enjoy sweet potatoes
Sweet potato chips: Peeled, thinly sliced, and baked or fried.
Sweet potato fries: Peeled, cut into wedges or matchsticks, and baked or fried.
Sweet potato toast: Cut into thin slices, toasted, and topped with ingredients like nut butter or avocado.
Mashed sweet potatoes: Peeled, boiled, and mashed with milk and seasoning.
Baked sweet potatoes: Baked whole in the oven until fork-tender.
Sweet potato hash: Peeled, diced, and cooked with onion in a pan.
Spiralized sweet potatoes: Cut into spirals, sautéed, and sauced.
In baked goods: Sweet potato puree adds moisture without fat.
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