Sweet Potatoes are power packed with nutrition and are considered a rich source of Vitamin A. They are loaded with fiber and potassium and help meet our daily requirement of vitamin A. A sweet potato is naturally sweet and has lots of nutrients than a regular potato. It doesn’t add many calories to your diet as well. Also rich in vitamin B5, B6, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are orange in color (mostly) having lower sodium levels when compared to a regular white potato.
Its Health Benefits Are Incredible And Are Described Below:
Good For Heart:
Rich in vitamin B6, sweet potatoes help break down homocysteine, a substance known to harden arteries and blood vessels. Also, potassium is an essential electrolyte for healthy functioning of the heart, brain, and central nervous system.
Aids In Digestion:
Loaded with dietary fiber, sweet potatoes can help in enhancing the process of digestion, prevents constipation and helps in keeping the digestive tract healthy.
Rich In Antioxidants:
Beta-carotene is an excellent source of antioxidant. Vitamin A or beta-carotene helps in preventing some forms of cancer.
Tonic For Skin And Hair:
Beta-carotene or vitamin A is one of the best vegetable sources; we could get from sweet potatoes. Vitamin A protects from sun damage whereas Vitamins C and E in sweet potatoes are considered as potent antioxidants good for skin and hair.
Immunity Booster:
Vitamin A and E in sweet potatoes are known as powerful antioxidants that help fight diseases and boost immunity. One sweet potato can supply at least half the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. They have anti-inflammatory benefits as well due to the colored-pigmented vitamins and can help fight infections.
Balances Blood Sugar Levels:
Unlike other potatoes, sweet potatoes have low glycemic index. It helps boost the blood sugar levels and maintain its balance. They are a rich source of manganese which helps in metabolizing carbohydrates; thereby maintaining the balance of blood sugar levels and helping the body utilize all the available antioxidants.
Prevents Cancer Risks:
Orange fleshed sweet potatoes are considered to have anti-carcinogenic properties and beta-carotene in it helps lessen the risks of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in women. Also, purple fleshed sweet potatoes are known to have better cancer-preventing abilities by slowing down the growth of cancer cells.
Enhances Eyesight:
Vitamin A deficiency hinders with the vision of the person. Including sweet potatoes in the diet can supply your body with the necessary vitamin A thereby promoting eye health.
Busts Stress:
Magnesium in sweet potatoes is known as a mineral that helps bust stress. It helps soothe muscles and promotes relaxation. It induces good mood and keeps your mind calm.
Maintains Water Balance:
Dietary fiber in sweet potatoes helps preserve water balance in the body to keep you hydrated.
Prevents Ulcers:
Sweet potatoes help soothe intestine and stomach. The presence of abundant vitamins and minerals and anti-inflammatory properties in sweet potatoes can help reduce inflammation and pain caused due to ulcers.
Prevents Anemia:
Iron deficiency or anemia might lead to fatigue, irritability, and migraine headaches. Sweet potatoes are loaded with iron and are considered as an amazing iron supplement for people having iron deficiency.
Cures Arthritis:
Being a rich source of beta-carotene, zinc and magnesium, sweet potatoes are considered an excellent food source for people having arthritis. The water used to boil the sweet potatoes can be applied on the joints to soothe the pain.
Good For Diabetics:
Sweet potatoes are proven to be beneficial for diabetics. Including sweet potatoes in diet can help regulate the blood sugar levels. It can be taken in limited quantity or you may replace the intake of carbohydrates with sweet potato.
Aids In Weight Gain:
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamins, proteins and minerals besides having good amounts of starch. So, if you wish to gain weight, eating a sweet potato is a healthier option as it is easier to digest.
