The Skinny on Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are popular treats for that Thanksgiving party, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this healthy treat anytime of the year. In fact, these are one of the most nutritious vegetable you can find. What’s best is that sweet potatoes are in season all-year round, which means you don’t need to wait for November and December to pass by for you to be able to enjoy a bite.

Yellow, orange, white, red, or purple – your sweet potatoes come in colorful varieties. They may be root-like, longer or shorter, round, or tapered. Sweet potatoes are often confused with yam, an orange-colored variety – which actually belongs to the sweet potato family. Because of its high nutritional value and lower starch content, the US Department of Agriculture highly suggests including sweet potatoes in your daily diet. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene and vitamin A, plus, being a healthy veggie with all the fiber, folate, potassium, and other vitamins that your body needs.

What are the Health Benefits of Sweet Potato:

Surely, sweet potatoes are better than white potatoes, for reasons such as:

1. Antioxidants

Sweet potatoes have unique proteins which are said to be potent antioxidants. This protein contains a third of Glutathione, which is one of the best antioxidants for the body. Because of this, studies are still being made on the many healing powers of a sweet potato’s roots.

2. Great for Immunity

Rich in Vitamins C, B, beta carotene, iron and phosphorus ( which are all great immunity boosters ), sweet potatoes help your immune system defend itself against infections and inflammations.

3. Breathing Relief

Unknown to many, sweet potatoes are great for those who suffer nasal congestion, bronchitis, or even asthma. The aroma of sweet potatoes can help declog your clogged nose, helping you breathe better. Rich in vitamin C, sweet potatoes help you fight respiratory diseases.

4. Great Against Arthritis

The immune-boosting properties of sweet potatoes make it one of the best natural cures against arthritis. You can boil sweet potatoes and apply it externally on your aching joints. Sweet potatoes’ beta carotene, zinc, vitamin B-complex, and magnesium content aid in the process.

5. Anti Carcinogen

Sweet potatoes’ rich beta carotene content helps reduce your risk against many types of cancer that targets the intestine, colon, kidneys, prostate, and others.

6. Better Digestion

Since sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, aside from tasting good, this vegetable is your excellent ally in better digestion. Fiber also aids in the balance of water in your body as well.

7. Weight Loss

Since sweet potatoes have a lower starch content than white potatoes, you can count lower calories as well – with all the health benefits. Sweet potatoes satisfy your sweet cravings, without you eating unhealthy treats. Its fiber-rich content helps build bulk, making you burn more energy in the process.

8. Reduce Risks to Diabetes and Heart Disease

Sweet potatoes are simply healthy foods that help reduce your risk of getting diabetes, or worst, cardiovascular diseases.

The healthiest way of preparing sweet potatoes would be baking, boiling, or putting them in your microwave. You may try drizzling it with a dash of your healthy extra virgin olive oil for a low-fat, hearty dish. Frying is not a great option since sweet potatoes are too starchy, which takes it longer to fry. Sweet potatoes are surely here to stay, among your top natural healthy choices. Being the oldest vegetable known to man, sweet potatoes’ Central American roots have grown into a true health food that’s available for human consumption – anytime, anywhere. Love Your Sweet Taters!

Sweet Potatoes vs White Potatoes