Sweet potato nutrition is high in antioxidant content, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Sweet potato is a delicious tuber that is rich in nutrients and offers many health benefits.
You can consume it in different ways. You can boil, steam, bake, or fry it. It comes in various fun colors such as yellow, violet, red, pink, and white.
This superfood should not be confused with yams. Although, it is related to the regular potato usually served as French fries in fast-food restaurants.
A superfood is food dense in nutrients and is generally considered good for health. The lowly sweet potato, although underrated, makes it on the list of superfoods.
Sweet Potato Nutrition Facts
A medium-sized sweet potato, which is around 100 grams, provides approximately 86 calories, mostly from carbohydrates and a bit from protein.
It is high in Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin. This essential nutrient promotes normal vision, a healthy immune system, and proper organ function.
It is also high in potassium, an essential mineral for cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and bone strength.
Its high dietary fiber content promotes healthy digestion, normalizes bowel movement, helps control blood sugar, and provides many other benefits.
Other nutrients from this superfood include:
- Calcium
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Vitamin B-6
- Magnesium
- Sodium
Sweet Potato Health Benefits
1. High Antioxidant Content
Antioxidants protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals, thus preventing cell damage. Antioxidants also reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes.
Sweet potato with orange flesh contains high amounts of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that promotes healthy vision and vibrant skin. Purple potatoes are also considered very high in antioxidant content.
2. High Fiber Content
Despite being sweet, it is high in fiber. Fiber slows down the absorption of sugar, thus preventing blood sugar spikes.
The fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels. A study shows that including sweet potatoes in your diet may help you reach normal blood sugar levels.
Interestingly, the fiber content also helps in normalizing bowel movements. If you have difficulty with digestive waste management, eating sweet potatoes can help in the digestion process and help regulate your bowel movements.
3. Improves Brain Power
Sweet potato is abundant in nutrients that promote good memory and prevent brain damage.
Improved memory can be beneficial in cognitive performance. Protection from brain damage can increase learning and memory ability as well.
Other healthy brain foods include broccoli, beets, and avocados.
4. Promotes Immunity and Healthy Vision
High Vitamin A content helps improve immunity. Your bodies get exposed to many disease-causing pathogens. Once your immune system is down, you get sick. By eating sweet potatoes and other healthy foods like carrots, spinach, and kale, you can resist various diseases.
On the other hand, Vitamin A also helps promote healthy vision. Lack of this essential vitamin can lead to night blindness, dry eyes, and in worst cases, total vision loss. Foods rich in vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc are great for vision.
5. Aids in Weight Loss
First of all, the sweet potato is dense in nutrients and high in fiber. Eating it can make you feel full, thus aiding in weight loss. The feeling of satiety decreases the likelihood to crave unhealthy foods, making you eat fewer calories while gaining more nutrients in the process.
The high fiber content also aids in keeping blood sugar levels in check. The release of insulin in the blood triggers fat storage. By not causing insulin spikes, your body does not process the carbohydrates for fat storage and instead uses them for energy.
Of course, to achieve optimum weight, you should also be mindful of other things you eat. Also, it is crucial to add exercise to your daily routine. Some of the best activities you can easily take advantage of include walking and running.
Bottom Line
Sweet potato nutrition includes fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Also, it provides many health benefits. It increases immunity, maintains good eyesight, and boosts brainpower. Fortunately, it also helps you lose weight and live a healthier life.
Recommendation:
Avoid eating food high in carbohydrates if you are following a low-carb diet. The ketogenic diet requires eating 20 grams of carbs or lower per day to achieve ketosis.
If you are not on a low-carb diet but want to lose belly fat quickly, you can eat sweet potatoes, but make sure to follow an intermittent fasting schedule.