When it comes to versatility, there's a lot going in favour of the humble sweet potato. It’s delicious (without doubt), nutritious, and oh so easily available. You can have it steamed, grilled, mashed, fried, and even pureed. It’s loaded to the brim with fibre, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. There’s more. It has a very low glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t spike your blood sugar levels like regular potatoes. And, the best part? You can have it as a side dish, main course, or even as a dessert!
Here's taking a look at all that sweet potatoes promise to bring to your healthy diet.
Cardiovascular health: Sweet potatoes contain potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure levels and support heart health. According to the American Heart Association, adding sweet potatoes to your diet can help keeping your cardiovascular system healthy. A higher intake of potassium enables your body to expel excess sodium, leading to decreased blood pressure and a diminished likelihood of heart-related issues. Additionally, their fibre content contributes to lower cholesterol levels.
Digestive health: The fibre in sweet potatoes aids in digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and maintaining a healthy gut. Recent research indicates that sweet potatoes are a valuable source of dietary fibre, a nutrient with a range of advantages. A diet rich in fibre has been linked to a lower susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose levels. Furthermore, studies propose that an ample fibre intake might even have positive effects on mood and memory.
Weight management: The combination of fibre, nutrients, and low-calorie content in sweet potatoes can be helpful for those aiming to manage their weight. While the high fibre content helps to promote a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating, the nutrients present in sweet potatoes provide essential energy. This makes sweet potatoes an effective inclusion in diets focused on weight control and good health.
Healthy skin: Sweet potatoes have a significant amount of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which plays an important role in maintaining skin health. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which addresses sun-damaged skin and stimulates collagen creation. Furthermore, sweet potatoes contain nutrients such as vitamin C and copper, which are vital for collagen production—a key factor in maintaining skin elasticity. Regular consumption of sweet potatoes can result in a supple and youthful-looking skin.
Cancer prevention: Certain antioxidants and phytochemicals found in sweet potatoes have been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. Several research studies propose that the carotenoids found within sweet potatoes play a significant role in thwarting the onset of cancers, including prostate cancer in males.
Aids in diabetes: The fibre content within sweet potatoes offers significant benefits for diabetes management. Research reveals that higher fibre intake is linked to a reduced likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Despite the fact that sweet potatoes are naturally rich in sugar and starch, their distinctive feature lies in their low glycemic index (GI). This attribute ensures a gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream, setting them apart from other starchy foods that cause rapid spikes.
Sweet potatoes in different delights:
Whether steamed, grilled, or pureed, sweet potatoes seamlessly integrate with an array of dishes, embracing diverse cooking techniques and harmonising with a variety of flavours to provide truly enjoyable and healthy culinary options.
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