Why is it Important to Eat Sweet Potatoes? Here are 7 Reasons
Sweet potato consumption has increased in many countries recently due to heightened awareness of its nutritional benefits. Within its wonderful sweetness and tenderness hides a wealth of healthful components.
The nutritional values of sweet potatoes are higher when eaten with their skin (Photo: shutterstock)1. Sweet potatoes are especially rich in beta carotene, which is a source of vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial in cell differentiation processes, boosting the immune system, and activating enzymes involved in the metabolism of carcinogens. It is also essential for normal vision, particularly night vision, the integrity of skin cells, fetal organ development, and proper growth.
2. Beta carotene is a pigment in the carotenoid family. Carotenoids function to reduce the risk of cancers such as mouth, throat, and lung cancer.
3. Besides beta carotene, sweet potatoes are one of the most nutrient-rich vegetables. They are a carbohydrate source and contain about 20 vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes include dietary fiber that aids in regular bowel function and balancing blood cholesterol levels; B vitamins essential for energy production and metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; vitamin B6, which helps reduce homocysteine levels in the blood, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
(Photo: shutterstock)4. Additionally, sweet potatoes contain potassium, which helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases, as well as enhance bone strength. They also contain magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which contribute to preventing the oxidation of "bad" cholesterol.
5. Good to know: the nutritional values of sweet potatoes are higher when eaten with their skin.
6. Compared to regular potatoes, sweet potatoes win. Sweet potatoes have a high amount of dietary fiber and contain the trace mineral manganese, crucial for body metabolism processes.
7. How to consume sweet potatoes? Here are some ideas: You can bake sweet potato strips or halves with their skin in the oven; add lightly grilled or baked sweet potato slices to a green leaf salad; add grated sweet potatoes to meat patties or cooked meat in the oven; incorporate sweet potatoes in vegetable or orange soups; and make sweet potato mash or pancakes or combine with potatoes and sweet potatoes.
