Sweet Potato

Anisha Hassan
Sometimes used for dessert like pies, and other times as a savoury ingredient, sweet potatoes are just the right amount of both, with the creamy and delightful texture. But that is not all that a sweet potato possesses. In between all that creamy goodness, this root stores lots of vitamins, minerals and much more, which secures its spot on the list of “super foods.”

NUTRIENT FACTS
Sweet potatoes contain lots of vitamins, namely vitamin A, B5, B6, and thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. Because of their orange colour, they also contain carotenoids. Overall, they contain little to zero fat and have lower calories compared to a white potato. They also have low levels of sodium.

HEALTHY DIGESTION
Our digestive tract needs to be squeaky clean in order to avoid constipation. And with the immense amounts of dietary fibre present in sweet potatoes, it manages to do the right job in cleaning our digestive tracts for a smooth and healthy digestion.

REDUCES STRESS
Magnesium is known as the “go-to” mineral when it comes to reducing stress. It helps promote calmness and relaxation and aids in creating a good mood. Sweet potatoes contain high levels of magnesium, and hence helps reduce stress.

REGULATES BLOOD SUGAR
According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University in the United States, sweet potatoes have lots of manganese, which helps the body metabolise carbohydrates and in turn helps us to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.