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Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. There are various possible health benefits of sweet potatoes, such as improving digestion and reducing inflammation.
Some people use the terms “sweet potato” and “yam” interchangeably. However, they are not related. Yams have a drier texture and a more starchy content than sweet potato.
This article looks at the nutritional value and possible health benefits of sweet potato. It also provides some tips on incorporating sweet potato into the diet, as well as some health risks.
Sweet potato may offer a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the ways in which they may benefit a person’s health:
Improving insulin sensitivity in diabetes
In one 2008
Earlier, in 2000,
However, more studies in humans are necessary to confirm these benefits.
The fiber in sweet potatoes is also important. Studies
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The
Learn about the best foods for diabetes here.
Maintaining healthful blood pressure levels
The
A 124 g serving of mashed sweet potato provides
Get more tips on foods to lower blood pressure here.
Reducing the risk of cancer
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene. This is a plant pigment that acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Beta-carotene is also a provitamin. The body converts it into the active form of vitamin A.
Antioxidants may
Antioxidants such as beta-carotene can help prevent cellular damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. If levels of free radicals in the body get too high, cellular damage can occur, increasing the risk of some conditions.
Obtaining antioxidants from dietary sources may help prevent conditions such as cancer.
Can some foods help prevent cancer? Find out here.
Improving digestion and regularity
The fiber content in sweet potatoes can help prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.
Also,
Why is dietary fiber important? Learn more here.
Protecting eye health
As mentioned above, sweet potatoes are a good source of provitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. After the age of 18, the Dietary Guidelines recommend an intake of 700 mg of vitamin A per day for women and 900 mg per day for men. Vitamin A is important for protecting eye health.
According to the
Vitamin A also acts as an antioxidant. Together with other antioxidants, it can help protect the body from a variety of health conditions.
Learn more here about vitamin A.
Boosting immunity
One
A person who consumes little or no
Vitamin C also supports the immune system and enhances iron absorption. A low vitamin C intake may increase a person’s risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Find out more about vitamin C and why we need it here.
Reducing inflammation
A rodent
Sweet potatoes
A 2010 study found that taking high dose choline supplements helped manage inflammation in people with asthma. However, this does not necessarily mean that choline from sweet potatoes will have the same impact.
A 124 g serving of mashed sweet potato contains around 98.7 g of water.
The table below shows the nutrients in sweet potato and the recommended daily intakes for adults. Exact requirements will depend on age, sex, and activity levels (for calories).
Nutrient | Amount in | Recommended |
Energy (calories) | 108 | 1,600–3,000 |
Protein (g) | 2 | 46–56 |
Fat (g) | 3 | 360–1,050 g, depending on energy needs |
Carbohydrate (g) | 18.7, of which 6.77 g is sugar | 130 |
Fiber (g) | 2.48 | 22.4–33.6 |
Iron (mg) | 0.7 | 8–18 |
Calcium (mg) | 50.8 | 1,000–2,000 |
Magnesium (mg) | 19.8 | 310–420 |
Phosphorus (mg) | 50.8 | 1,000–1,200 |
Potassium (mg) | 259 | 4,700 |
Sodium (mg) | 306 | 2,300 |
Selenium (micrograms [mcg]) | 0.9 | 55 |
Vitamin C (mg) | 12.8 | 75–90 |
Folate (mcg) | 7.44 | 400 |
Choline (mg) | 14.4 | 425–550 |
Vitamin A, RAE (mcg) | 823 | 700–900 |
Beta-carotene (mcg) | 9,470 | No data |
Vitamin K (mcg) | 5.1 | 90–120 |
Cholesterol (mg) | 1.24 | No data |
Sweet potato also contains B vitamins, calcium, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Eating sweet potato skin can increase its nutritional value. The color of the skin can vary from white to yellow and purple to brown. However, whatever color it is, it will provide additional nutrients.
When buying and cooking sweet potatoes, it is important to check that the potato is firm with smooth, taut skin.
Also, always store them in a cool, dry place for no longer than 3–5 weeks.
Cooking tips
Roast sweet potatoes to bring out their natural flavor, and eat them without toppings. Sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet and creamy taste.
To roast them around a campfire or on a barbecue, wrap them in aluminum foil and place in the dying coals. Leave for around 50–60 minutes, until a fork slides into them easily.
People who do not plan to eat the skins can put the potato into the coals without wrapping it in foil.
To prepare a sweet potato quickly, prick it with a fork, wrap it in a paper towel, and put it in a microwave on high heat until soft.
If a person wants to add a topping, try:
- a sprinkling of cinnamon, cumin, or curry powder
- a spoonful of low fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
- a drizzling of olive oil
Other ways to incorporate sweet potato into the diet include adding roasted sweet potatoes and pecans to a salad and topping it with balsamic vinegar, and adding sweet potato to pancakes or hash browns.
Sweet potato recipes
Try these simple and healthful sweet potato recipes:
Sweet potatoes contain potassium. A high potassium intake may not be suitable for people who take beta-blockers. Doctors commonly prescribe these for heart disease, and they can cause potassium levels to rise in the blood.
People with kidney problems should also take note of how much potassium they consume. Consuming too much can be harmful to those with kidney problems. For example, severe complications can arise if a person with impaired kidney function consumes more potassium than their kidneys can process.
Another risk to be aware of is that some fruits and vegetables are susceptible to contamination with pesticides. Every year, the Environmental Working Group rank products according to their likelihood of contamination. In 2019, sweet potatoes ranked 31st.
Buying organic products or growing them at home are the best ways to minimize the risk of contamination.
There is a selection of sweet potato and sweet potato products available for purchase online.
Q:
Are sweet potatoes more fattening than white potatoes?
A:
Both sweet potatoes and white potatoes are nutrient-dense carbohydrate choices. Neither are fattening when a person eats them as part of a well-rounded diet.
White potatoes are slightly more caloric than sweet potatoes, but the difference is negligible. When it comes to choosing between sweet and white potatoes, people should choose whatever they will enjoy more.
Like any carbohydrate source, be sure to practice portion control if weight loss is a priority.