The Sweetness of Nutrients in the Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, also known as sweet potatoes, contain nutrients that can help fight various diseases. Research shows that eating sweet potatoes is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. So, what other benefits can you get from sweet potatoes? Check out the following explanation.

Besides being useful for reducing the risk of dangerous diseases, sweet potatoes also have other uses. Especially those related to increasing the body's energy and immune system, as well as weight loss. Various types of sweet potatoes, ranging from yellow sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, and orange sweet potatoes, generally have more or less the same function.

Sweet potatoes can be processed by boiling, roasting, or eating mashed. After cooking, this tuber plant has a naturally sweet taste, so it can be eaten right away without having to add sugar.

Nutritional Content in Sweet Potatoes

Everyone should include sweet potatoes in the list of healthy foods that are consumed daily. Because, this food contains a lot of vitamin A, so it is enough to meet the daily needs of the body. In addition, sweet potatoes also provide 37 percent of the body's need for vitamin C.

A medium-sized sweet potato that has been baked has only 105 calories, making it perfect for those of you who are on a weight loss program. Sweet potatoes also contain fiber and almost no fat.

Other important nutrients in sweet potatoes are 25 percent manganese, 14 percent vitamin B6, and 9 percent potassium.

In addition, sweet potatoes contain other nutrients that are no less important, such as:

• Choline

  Choline is a versatile substance that is very important for the body. Called versatile because this substance helps chemical processes in nerve cells, helps the absorption of fat, and maintains the structure of cell membranes. In addition, choline is also useful in helping muscle movement, sleep, learning, and memory. A study revealed that the benefits of sweet potato extract are also anti-inflammatory and free radical scavengers.

• Beta carotene

  This substance not only gives the sweet potato a bright color, but also provides many benefits. Beta carotene plays a role in delaying aging and protecting the body from various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and asthma. Beta carotene in the body is converted into vitamin A. Therefore, eating foods containing beta carotene can help prevent and repair eye damage, prevent nerve damage, and strengthen the immune system.

• Fiber and potassium

  A medium sweet potato contains 4 grams of fiber and about 438 mg of potassium. It is important to know that the skin of sweet potatoes contains these two substances. Even though there are sweet potato skins that are brown, purple, or yellow, the nutritional content remains the same. When consuming sweet potatoes, try not to peel the skin so you can get the maximum benefit.

Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Health

Various risks of disease are thought to be reduced by consuming sweet potatoes on a regular basis. These diseases include:

• Cancer

  As previously mentioned, the content of beta carotene in sweet potatoes allows this food to be useful in preventing cancer. Research shows that beta carotene can reduce the risk of several cancers, such as stomach, breast, and kidney cancer.

• Immune

  Again, beta carotene in sweet potatoes has a great role. This substance cooperates with vitamin C in increasing immunity. These two substances that also have antioxidant properties form a powerful combination of nutrients to support the immune system.

• Digestion

  The high fiber contained in sweet potatoes helps the digestive system to be better and prevent constipation.

• Diabetes

  A study shows that sweet potatoes can reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics. Sweet potatoes are also suspected to reduce cell resistance to insulin and reduce HbA1C levels in the blood that increase in diabetics. However, these studies are still limited to low-quality studies and these data still need to be studied further.

• Blood pressure

  Eating sweet potatoes can help increase potassium intake. Thus, there is the potential to help lower blood pressure. However, it is recommended to process sweet potatoes by not adding excessive salt, because excess salt (sodium) can cause an increase in blood pressure.

The treat of boiled sweet potato is usually considered a traditional dish. Even so, do not be misunderstood as a food that is low in nutrients. To enjoy the benefits of sweet potatoes, try eating them more often as a main menu or just a snack in your spare time.