Sweet potato or in English sweet potato is a type of tuber plant that has a high nutritional content. What are the nutritional content of sweet potatoes and what are the benefits and efficacy of sweet potatoes for health? Check out the full explanation through this post.
In Indonesia, this one plant is very popular with the community, some areas even make sweet potatoes as their staple food. With its soft texture and delicious taste, this plant is often used as processed food.
Nutritional Content and Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Body Health
Sweet potato nutritional content
According to Laura Flores, a nutritionist in San Diego, sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and high in carotenoids.
Recent studies have shown that sweet potatoes contain a low glycemic index which can help reduce blood sugar levels and insulin resistance in diabetic patients, because the magnesium content in this plant can also help control blood sugar levels in the body.
Also read: Benefits and Nutrition of Watermelon for Health
In addition, sweet potatoes have been shown to have extraordinary properties in increasing blood levels of vitamin A because they contain between 100 and 1600 micrograms (RAE) of vitamin A per 3.5 ounces. In this amount, sweet potatoes can meet 35% – 90% of the need for vitamin A.
But keep in mind that the properties and benefits of sweet potatoes can be taken through the correct cooking method, namely by steaming or boiling it.
5 Health benefits of sweet potatoes for the body.
1. Maintain eye health
As we know that vegetables and fruits that have bright colors contain important substances that are beneficial for eye health.
Sweet potatoes contain high levels of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene which can meet 1.033% of our daily nutrition. Lack of vitamin A can affect eye health, by consuming sweet potatoes will help maintain the health of our sense of sight.
In addition, vitamins C and E contained in sweet potatoes have been shown to be able to prevent degenerative diseases, namely health conditions that cause organs or tissues to deteriorate over time.
2. Maintain heart health
Several studies show that sweet potatoes contain a good source of vitamin B6 which can prevent homogeneous breakdown, which is able to prevent the breakdown of homocyteine. A substance that causes hardening of the arteries and veins.
According to the American Heart Association, the potassium content in sweet potatoes can also help maintain heart health, because it can lower blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance.
3. Help prevent cancer
Cancer is indeed a terrible scourge for many people, what we can do is provide good nutrition for the body to prevent the emergence of cancer cells.
One of them is by consuming sweet potatoes. Research shows that sweet potatoes contain anticarcinogenic properties such as beta carotene. This substance can reduce the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women and prevent ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women.
Purple sweet potato is known to be more effective in preventing cancer when compared to other foods that have anticarcinogenic properties.
4. Good source of energy
Sweet potatoes are known to contain several important minerals such as iron and magnesium which can increase our energy when carrying out daily activities.
Experts reveal that iron can improve oxygen distribution by stimulating the production of red blood cells in the body, thus preventing us from getting tired easily in carrying out daily activities.
5. Maintain healthy skin
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, sweet potatoes also have benefits for skin health. For those who prioritize appearance, consuming sweet potatoes can be a good choice in treating skin.
The reason is because sweet potatoes contain anti-aging substances, namely carotenoids that help fight free radicals. The content of vitamin A that is owned can also repair skin cells.
