Sweet potatoes, often called yams, are not only inexpensive, but taste great and come with several key nutrients. Their nutritional value exceeds that of ordinary white and yellow potatoes. Sweet potatoes are readily available at grocery stores. Start including this power food in your meal plan to reap its plentiful health benefits. Read on to know more about the top 9 health benefits of sweet potatoes.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Sweet potatoes rank low on the glycemic index scale. Research studies suggest that sweet potatoes might help in controlling episodes of low blood sugar. Studies have also shown that type-2 diabetics who follow a high-fiber diet have better blood sugar, insulin, and lipid levels. A single sweet potato comprises around 6 grams of fibre.
Regulates High Blood Pressure
Sweet potatoes are also considered beneficial in maintaining blood pressure levels. To keep your blood pressure low, it is necessary to maintain a low-sodium diet. Additionally, it is essential for you to up your intake of potassium. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey suggest that less than 2 percent of U.S. adults are consuming their daily recommended amount of potassium, which is around 4,700 mg. A single medium-sized sweet potato contains around 542 mg of potassium.
Good For Your Heart
Sweet potato contains a high amount of vitamin B6, which is very important for keeping your cardiovascular system in top working condition. This is because vitamin B6 assists in breaking down homocysteine, which hardens blood vessels and arteries. This vitamin keeps the artery walls healthy and flexible, so that blood may flow freely.
Boosts Your Immune System
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin C and beta-carotene, which assists in boosting immunity. It also contains a fair deal of vitamin E. This combination of antioxidants helps boost immunity and prevent diseases. Sweet potatoes are also loaded with phosphorous and iron, enhancing its overall immune benefits.
Promotes Better Digestion
Improved digestion is one of the major benefits of sweet potatoes. Apart from tasting good, sweet potatoes are packed with fibre. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of minerals, such as magnesium, which assists in improving digestion. They are digested easily by the body, owing to their starch content.
Deals With Cancer
Sweet potatoes are highly effective against cancer, due to their high antioxidant content. Sweet potatoes derive their color from beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic substance. The presence of vitamins C and E assists in dealing with several forms of cancer, such as prostate, kidneys, intestinal, and colon cancers.
Improves Your Eyesight
Experts have suggested that vitamin A deficiency causes the outer portions of the eye’s photoreceptors to decline, impacting normal vision. To correct vision problems, it is necessary to consume enough beta-carotene, which is present in sweet potatoes. Research has also shown that vitamins C and E, present in sweet potatoes, helps in keeping your eyes healthy and prevents degenerative damage.
Relieves Bronchitis
If you suffer from bronchitis, eating sweet potatoes might help. Packed with iron, vitamin C, and other key nutrients, sweet potatoes might assist in relieving bronchitis symptoms. Sweet potatoes are also known to raise body temperature, which has a positive impact on congestion.
Deals With Stomach Ulcers
Sweet potatoes are ideal for those suffering from stomach ulcers. This is because it has a soothing impact on the intestines and stomach. The presence of potassium, beta carotene, vitamin C, and calcium, in sweet potatoes, assist in soothing ulcers. Additionally, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of roughage, which prevents acid formation, preventing stomach ulcers.
Reduces Inflammation
Sweet potatoes contain a considerable amount of choline, a nutrient that assists in supressing chronic inflammation. According to a research study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, purple sweet potato extract displays strong anti-inflammatory effects.
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