Why Sweet Potatoes Are Great For Your Diet

Sweet potatoes are very nutritious. In a medium-sized spud, there is over 400% of your vitamin A daily requirement. Amazing, right? But it doesn’t stop there!

This wonder food is one of nature’s incredibly tasty and healthy foods. Not only that it’s versatile; you can roast it, mash it, slice, bake into fries and even turn it into brownies. It’s also rich in fiber, potassium and has more grams of natural sugar compared to a regular potato. Even with all the nutrients, this wonder food has very few calories.

Homemade Cooked Sweet Potato with spices and herbs on dark background.

Different Types of Sweet Potatoes

I was actually surprised to know that sweet potato have different kinds: the dry-fleshed and the moist-fleshed one. Dry-fleshed ones are starchier and have tan skin with a lighter flesh that may range to white to light yellow. It’s almost similar to regular potatoes than the moist-fleshed ones.

On the other hand, the moist-fleshed ones are darker and have reddish-brown peels and orange flesh. Personally, I think they’re sweeter than the dry ones and I like them better.

What Makes Sweet Potatoes Healthy?

Let’s start with the basics that sweet potatoes are 77% water, 20% carbohydrates, 1.6% protein, 3% fiber, and free of fat. If you’re going to eat a medium-sized sweet potato, it only has about 180 calories aside from it being the perfect source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium, and potassium.

Steady Energy Source

Sweet potatoes are known to be complex carbohydrates, to they digest really slowly which makes it a steady energy source for your body.

Aids in Brain Function

Did you know that sweet potato are linked to better brain function? It protects the brain, aids in improving learning, and better memory. Sweet potatoes also have high levels of anthocyanins which are antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protects neurons.

Keeps Your Digestive Tract Healthy

Sweet potatoes are amazing for your digestion since it contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Since our body can’t digest either type, instead of breaking down as they pass through our digestive tract, these fibers travel intact and sweep your gut in the process. Thus, making your bowel movements regular.

Prevents Cancer

Other than being rich in vitamins and minerals, it also has antioxidants that help protect our body from free radicals. It can help prevent chronic and serious health conditions like cancer and heart disease.

If this doesn’t convince you that sweet potatoes should be a part of your diet, then you’re missing out. There are lots of recipes out there that will surely help you enjoy including it in your snacks and meals.

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