Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

  

Date Posted: 1/25/2018 9:50:07 AM

Posted By: Alambi  Membership Level: Gold  Total Points: 2017

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Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious vegetable. They are rich in:
Vitamin A
Vitamin B5 & B6
Thiamin
Niacin
Riboflavin
Carotenoids (due to their orange color).
In addition, they do not contain fat, have small levels of sodium and lesser calories than white potatoes (though they have a higher sugar content).

Sweet potatoes are among the best Vitamin A-rich foods. Vitamin A is a great antioxidant, it brings with it anti-aging advantages, prevents cancer and helps in maintaining good eyesight. Sweet potatoes come in a variety of colors; orange, pink, purple, white and yellow. The orange and yellow kind have the most amount of vitamin A, while the purple ones are a great way to acquire antioxidants.

Healthy Benefits
1. They promote heart health
They are an excellent source of B6 vitamins. These types of vitamins are great at breaking down homocysteine (a substance that plays a role in the hardening of arteries and other blood vessels). Sweet potatoes also contain potassium which help the heart by lowering blood pressure. The potassium reduces blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance, it also acts as an electrolyte that regulates the heartbeat.

2. They help in controlling blood sugar and maintenance of energy
For their high sugar content, sweet potatoes possess a low glycemic index - this means that they emit sugar at a slow pace into the bloodstream. They help steady the blood sugar levels - this means that a person will not experience blood-sugar spikes, but will experience a steady level of energy. This regulation is also seen in persons with type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, sweet potatoes also contain manganese. Manganese assists the body in metabolizing carbohydrates and therefore regulate blood sugar, and it also has the ability to stabilize one's appetite. In addition, it assists the body in utilizing antioxidants.

3. Reduce Stress

Sweet potatoes possess magnesium, which is a distressing mineral. It

boosts calmness, relaxation and happy moods. The mineral also promotes the health of arteries, blood, bones, muscles and nerves.

4. Boost immunity
Sweet potatoes provide anti-inflamatory benefits brought by their colourful vitamins. Vitamin A and E boost the immune system and are strong antioxidants for fighting diseases. Orange sweet potatoes contain more vitamin A, whereas purple ones have loads of anthocyanin antioxidants, which are responsible for the blue, purple and red colors present in fruits and vegetables.

5. Boost hair and skin health
Vitamin A, found in sweet potatoes, may give protection against harmful sun rays. Vitamin C and E are also renown for providing beauty benefits. They promote health, glow of the skin and the growth of collagen.

6. Promote Digestion
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which assists the body in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

7. Prevention of cancer
Orange sweet potatoes possess anti-carcinogenic qualities. Beta-carotene may lower breast cancer and ovarian cancer risks. Purple sweet potatoes might be even better at reducing the risk of cancer.

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