Sweet potatoes are sweet, starchy root vegetables that are grown worldwide. They have a thin, brown skin on the outside with colored flesh inside. Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes are not same in nutrients value. They may both be called ‘potatoes’, but sweet and white potatoes are not actually related. Botanically, the sweet potato belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family, whereas the white potato sits in the nightshade family.
One cup (200 grams) of baked sweet potato contains:
• Calories: 180
• Carbs: 41.4 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 0.3 grams
• Fiber: 6.6 grams
• Vitamin A: 769% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 65% of the DV
• Manganese: 50% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 29% of the DV
• Potassium: 27% of the DV
• Pantothenic acid: 18% of the DV
• Copper: 16% of the DV
• Niacin: 15% of the DV
Health benefits:
• Sweet potatoes offer various antioxidants, which may help protect against certain types of cancers. There is evidence that eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cancer like breast cancer, lung cancer.
• Sweet potatoes contain fiber and antioxidants that promote the growth of good gut bacteria and contribute to a healthy gut.
• Sweet Potatoes Keep the Heart Healthy. The high fiber content of sweet potatoes can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.
• Sweet potatoes are also high in potassium, which works in balance with sodium in your body to maintain healthy blood pressure.
• They are also high in copper which is an essential component for making red blood cells and keeping your heart healthy.
• The fiber and complex carbohydrates in sweet potatoes can help keep the blood sugar stable. It can help you feel full longer. Sweet potato varieties also contain other ingredients that benefit stable blood sugar.
• Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which can be converted to vitamin A and help support your immune system and gut health.
• Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene and anthocyanins, antioxidants that may help prevent vision loss and improve eye health.
