Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable with incredible health and beauty benefits. When it comes to balanced nutrition, sweet potatoes are high on the list. To begin with, they are a great source of vitamin A and beta-carotene. Did you know that sweet potatoes have plenty of health and beauty benefits? Let’s discuss.
Sweet potatoes are most known for the bright orange kind, but they range in color from white, purple, red, pink, yellow, and even violet-colored sweet potatoes. The sweet potato health, beauty, and nutrition benefits are numerous and diverse. This versatile root vegetable is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, promoting good vision, and supporting skin health.
Studies indicate they can help with blood sugar regulation, especially caiapo, which is a white-colored sweet potato.
Moreover, the low glycemic index of sweet potatoes makes them a great choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting weight management. Incorporating sweet potatoes into your diet can lead to improved well-being and radiant appearance. Additionally, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.
Resistant starches in sweet potatoes help feed the good gut flora in the body. Purple sweet potatoes are especially good for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, due to the cyanidin and peonidin.
Each of those is antioxidant-filled nutrients that are powerful disease fighters. If you like squash, you probably will enjoy eating sweet potatoes too.
Sweet Potato Health & Beauty Benefits
Sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamin A and beta-carotene. They are rich in fiber and can help manage blood sugar levels.
For beauty, the vitamins and minerals found in sweet potatoes can enhance skin complexion, promote collagen production, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This vitamin also helps regenerate collagen and keep your skin smooth. Vitamin A also helps prevent dry and brittle hair.
One cup of cooked sweet potato provides 769% of your daily needs of vitamin A.
Another important micronutrient is vitamin B6, which is also important for healthy hair and helps with your beauty sleep. Vitamin A helps support your immune system and protect your eye health.
Sweet potatoes can also benefit the look of scars and aid wound healing.
Eating sweet potatoes will activate certain gene expressions. We all have specialized skin cells, called keratinocytes, which when activated by our genes help accelerate skin turnover, resulting in faster wound healing and minimize the look of scars.
Sweet Potatoes and Gut Health
This bright orange powerhouse root vegetable is also great for gut health. The mix of both soluble and insoluble fiber makes this a winner in great gut health. The fiber helps keep you regular and helps balance blood sugar levels.
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Sweet Potato Key Nutrients
Vitamin C | Vitamin A | Potassium | Antioxidants | Manganese | Vitamin B6 | Vitamin B5 | Vitamin E | Chlorogenic acid | Beta carotene | Anthocyanins | Cyanidins | Peonidins
Nutritional Report Value of Sweet Potatoes
*Per 1 cup cooked of sweet potatoes.
- Fiber | 7 grams
- Protein | 4 grams
- Carbohydrates | 40 grams
- Vitamin A | 769% DV
- Thiamin | 14% DV
- Vitamin C | 65% DV
- Riboflavin | 12% DV
- Vitamin B6 | 29% DV
- Niacin | 15% DV
- Vitamin B5 | 18% DV
- Manganese | 50% DV
- Calcium | 8% DV
- Iron | 8% DV
- Magnesium | 14% DV
- Phosphorus | 11% DV
- Potassium | 27% DV
- Copper | 16% DV
Sweet Potato Eating Suggestions
They are delicious when baked or roasted in the oven. Boiled, mashed, and steamed are also delicious.
Leave the skin on to maximize nutrients. You can thinly slice them and toast them for a quick breakfast.
Try topping “sweet potato toast” with any nut or seed butter.
Sweet potato fries are another great delicious option. Try leaving the peel of the sweet potatoes on to maximize the benefits of the nutrients.
Here are a few of my favorite sweet potato recipes:
- Gut Healthy Purple Sweet Potato Chia Pudding
- Thai Sweet Potato Red Curry Bowl
- Sweet Potato Rounds (Great Thanksgiving Appetizer Recipe)
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole with Sweet Potato
- Sweet Potato Noodle Thai Curry
Let’s Discuss the Nutrition and Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes!
I would love to hear what your favorite sweet potato recipe is. Have you learned anything new about the nutrition, health, and beauty benefits of sweet potatoes? Let me know in the comments below.
You can also connect with me @EatYourNutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva
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