5 Health Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes For Your Youth

Sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile alternative to regular potatoes. They are at their finest during the autumn season but can be enjoyed all year round. Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious, providing antioxidants, vitamins A, B6, and C, fiber, and minerals. They add color and variety to your diet and support your immune system, gut health, brain function, and eye health.

Sweet potatoes are starchy root vegetables and members of the morning glory family. Despite their name, they are not related to potatoes, which belong to the nightshade family. The edible portion of the sweet potato is a tuberous root, which has a vibrant orange flesh and a coppery skin coat with multiple health benefits such as:

• Rich in fiber
• Antioxidants
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Manganese in each serving.

They also have anti-cancer properties and may support immune function, gut health, brain function, and eye health.

Vitamins and Minerals for Optimal Health

One medium-sized sweet potato contains 112 calories, 26 grams of carbs, 2 grams of protein, 0.1 grams of fat, and 3.5 grams of fiber. Additionally, sweet potatoes are a rich source of antioxidants and contain 102% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin A, 11% of the DV of vitamin B6, and a good amount of vitamin C and manganese.

Benefits for Hair

Sweet potatoes are also packed with nutrients that promote hair growth, including B vitamins, potassium, vitamin C, and zinc.

They are a rich source of iron, copper, potassium, magnesium, and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene promotes cell growth and prevents hair thinning, making sweet potatoes a great food for promoting healthy hair.

Glowing Skin

In addition to promoting hair health, sweet potatoes also benefit the skin. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, the primary structural protein in the skin, while vitamin E is essential for skin health.

By eating sweet potatoes, you can help maintain healthy skin and protect it from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Eye Sight

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene that slows down macular degeneration. It also helps in making Vitamin A for your body and how good Vitamin A is for your body! Everyone knows that!

Weight Loss

Sweet potatoes have the potential to support healthy weight management, with 145 kcal per 100 grams and high fiber and low-calorie content.

They keep you full for longer, thanks to their high fiber and water content, which can contribute to weight loss by reducing calorie intake.

Fast Metabolism

Sweet potatoes also contain vitamins B5 and B6, which promote healthy metabolism, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.

It's important to note that some cooking methods, such as baking, roasting, and frying, will increase the glycemic index of sweet potatoes and cause blood sugar spikes. If you have type 2 diabetes, consult your doctor before including this vegetable in your diet. Sweet potatoes are also high in oxalates, which may contribute to kidney stones, so those prone to kidney stones should limit their consumption.

How to Eat Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are great for any meal of the day, whether sweet or savory. They can be steamed, roasted, mashed, or air fried, and the options are endless. For creative brunch ideas, try sweet potato cupcakes with beetroot topping, mashed sweet potatoes, or a sweet potato casserole. As a side dish for weeknight dinners, sweet potatoes are great paired with chicken, or you can make them rich and decadent, such as sweet potatoes filled with sour cream, chives, and melted cheese, or baked sweet potatoes with beetroot cream.