Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, which are native to Central America, have been consumed for over 10,000 years. Though most commonly associated with the annual Thanksgiving feast, sweet potatoes have a number of health benefits that justify adding them to your diet year-round.
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Vitamins and Nutrients
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Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of a number of different vitamins and nutrients. These include vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, copper, iron, manganese, potassium and dietary fiber.
Beta-Carotene
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Sweet potatoes contain as much beta-carotene (in the form of vitamin A) as carrots. Beta-carotene is associated with the prevention of cancer, heart disease, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The darker the flesh of the sweet potato, the more beta-carotene it contains.
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Carotenoids
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Sweet potatoes contain carotenoids in the form of beta-carotene. Carotenoids are associated with stabilizing blood sugar and lowering insulin resistance.
Antioxidants
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Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants. These substances help remove free radicals from the body, protecting cells from damage and repairing damaged cells.
Preparing Sweet Potatoes
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The most nutritious way to prepare sweet potatoes is to roast or bake them. Boiling sweet potatoes results in a significant loss of vitamins and nutrients. Eating the skin of conventionally grown sweet potatoes is not recommended because it may contain dyes or waxes. Organic sweet potatoes can be eaten whole. (Be sure to scrub clean the sweet potato's skin before cooking regardless of type.)
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