Top 7 Reasons To Eat Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes or Ipomoea batatas is a food cannot be found frequently on our menu, but we believe that this is something that each of us should change as quickly as possible. We bring you more than good reasons why you should include sweet potatoes on your menu.

Sweet potatoes, which are often classified as tropical foods, originate from Central and South America. They can be found in yellow, white, orange and red color. It is grown in significant amounts in America, Asia, and Africa and in the recent period in Europe too. Since sweet potatoes are starchy food, people use it in culinary purposes in the same way as “regular” potatoes and you will certainly not go wrong if you replace these potatoes with sweet ones. Here’s why.

1. It is very rich in vitamin B6 which reduces the level of homocysteine in the body. This chemical is linked to the development of various degenerative diseases.
2. Sweet potatoes contain a considerable amount of vitamin C too. Most people believe that vitamin C is useful only in cases of flu or cold, but the truth is that vitamin C is excellent for strengthening bones, prevention of tooth decay, improving the digestive system and blood circulation. This vitamin also stimulates the natural production of collagen in the body and indirectly affects the elasticity of the skin. It is also very important for stress reduction and it is known to defend the body from toxins that may be linked to cancer.
3. Vitamin D found in large quantities in sweet potatoes is very important for strengthening the immune system and overall health especially during the winter period when there are fewer sunny days. This vitamin has an important role in energy levels, mood, protects the health of our heart, bones, nerves, skin, teeth and supports the work of the thyroid gland.
4. Sweet potato is a food that is packed with iron. This substance is crucial for maintaining a good level of energy and for the production of white blood cells (important for the immune system).

5. One of the most efficient anti-stress minerals – magnesium – is found in significant amounts in this vegetable. Magnesium is necessary for the health of the bones, arteries, muscles and heart.
6. Sweet potatoes are also packed with potassium which regulates heart rate. Just like the rest of the electrolytes, potassium is responsible for many important functions in the body like reduction of swelling and control of the work of kidneys, relaxing muscle spasms etc.
7. Since most sweet potatoes have distinctive orange color, it is clear that they are rich in beta-carotene and many other carotenoids that support the maintenance of good vision, strengthen the immune system and they are also very powerful antioxidants which protects people from cancer. According to a recent research, women with breast cancer who had the highest level of carotenoids in their blood had least chances of experiencing cancer reoccurrence.

In addition to being very healthy, sweet potatoes are very useful in cooking because you can use them in different ways. You can bake them in the oven, on the grill, boil, fry. Steam, use them for soups and even in morning shakes.