Health Benefits Of Sweet Potato!
Superior fiber content
Sweet potatoes contain almost twice as much fiber as other types of potatoes. Contributing close to 7 grams of fiber per serving, they make an excellent starchy addition to any meal. The high fiber content gives them a “slow burning” quality. This basically means their caloric energy is used more slowly and efficiently than a low-fiber carbohydrate.
Heart-healthy
They contain a large amount of vitamin B6. This vitamin is crucial in breaking down a substance called homocysteine, which contributes to hardening of the arteries and blood vessels. Vitamin B6 helps keep the walls of these important blood passageways flexible and healthy which allows blood to flow freely.
In addition, sweet potatoes contain high amounts of potassium. Potassium plays an important role in lowering blood pressure by ridding the body of excess sodium and regulating fluid balance. It is also an important electrolyte that helps regulate the natural rhythm of the heart, and maintains normal function of the brain and central nervous system.
Rich in beta-carotene
Beta-carotene or vitamin A is an important antioxidant. One medium sweet potato provides your body with the complete recommended daily allowance of vitamin A and then some. Vitamin A is useful in the prevention of several different types of cancer as it is one of the most potent antioxidants out there.
Beta-carotene also helps to internally protect your skin from sun damage by both deflecting and repairing cell damage caused by excessive UV exposure. It also is an excellent nutrient for eye health and has been linked to prevention of vision loss and macular degeneration.
A great source of manganese
Manganese is a little-discussed trace mineral that has some great health benefits. It is a pivotal component in the metabolism of carbohydrates which helps support healthy blood sugar levels. This can help stabilize the appetite for hours as opposed to the temporary satisfaction that comes with most other carbohydrates.
It also is a cofactor in enzymes that play an important role in the generation of energy as well as the efficient utilization of antioxidants. It is used for the treatment of anemia and is useful as a treatment for several premenstrual symptoms in women as well.
Rich in vitamins C and E
As if being one of the top vegetable sources of beta-carotene weren’t enough, sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins C and E. These are potent antioxidant vitamins that play an important role in disease prevention and longevity.
Both vitamins also play a huge role in the health and beauty of your skin and hair, making them popular supplements. The combination of beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C in one food makes the sweet potato one heck of a “beauty food”. These nutrients all contribute to a healthy, glowing complexion and vibrant hair. more
Sweet potatoes contain almost twice as much fiber as other types of potatoes. Contributing close to 7 grams of fiber per serving, they make an excellent starchy addition to any meal. The high fiber content gives them a “slow burning” quality. This basically means their caloric energy is used more slowly and efficiently than a low-fiber carbohydrate.
Heart-healthy
They contain a large amount of vitamin B6. This vitamin is crucial in breaking down a substance called homocysteine, which contributes to hardening of the arteries and blood vessels. Vitamin B6 helps keep the walls of these important blood passageways flexible and healthy which allows blood to flow freely.
In addition, sweet potatoes contain high amounts of potassium. Potassium plays an important role in lowering blood pressure by ridding the body of excess sodium and regulating fluid balance. It is also an important electrolyte that helps regulate the natural rhythm of the heart, and maintains normal function of the brain and central nervous system.
Rich in beta-carotene
Beta-carotene or vitamin A is an important antioxidant. One medium sweet potato provides your body with the complete recommended daily allowance of vitamin A and then some. Vitamin A is useful in the prevention of several different types of cancer as it is one of the most potent antioxidants out there.
Beta-carotene also helps to internally protect your skin from sun damage by both deflecting and repairing cell damage caused by excessive UV exposure. It also is an excellent nutrient for eye health and has been linked to prevention of vision loss and macular degeneration.
A great source of manganese
Manganese is a little-discussed trace mineral that has some great health benefits. It is a pivotal component in the metabolism of carbohydrates which helps support healthy blood sugar levels. This can help stabilize the appetite for hours as opposed to the temporary satisfaction that comes with most other carbohydrates.
It also is a cofactor in enzymes that play an important role in the generation of energy as well as the efficient utilization of antioxidants. It is used for the treatment of anemia and is useful as a treatment for several premenstrual symptoms in women as well.
Rich in vitamins C and E
As if being one of the top vegetable sources of beta-carotene weren’t enough, sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins C and E. These are potent antioxidant vitamins that play an important role in disease prevention and longevity.
Both vitamins also play a huge role in the health and beauty of your skin and hair, making them popular supplements. The combination of beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C in one food makes the sweet potato one heck of a “beauty food”. These nutrients all contribute to a healthy, glowing complexion and vibrant hair. more
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Dear Mr. Rajesh Mehra and others, Cooking methods also affects the glycemic index of sweet potato. For diabetics, certain cooking methods are more conducive to managing blood sugar levels. Boiled or mashed sweet potatoes are not recommended as they can be digested faster, thus increasing their glycemic index and causing blood sugar levels to spike. Similar to fibre, fat will slow the rate of digestion and therefore maintain the low glycemic index, so a good cooking method for diabetics is sautéing ( fry lightly in oil in a shallow open pan ) or roasting without removing its skin and then eat after peeling. By Eating the right serving size of a sweet potato you can control the amount of sugar you take in. Also what you put on the potato is important. Avoid added sugars or sweeteners. Meal Ideas Sweet potatoes are a good carbohydrate choice for diabetics. Bake them in the oven until they are soft and serve them with a little bit of sour cream, plain yogurt or butter for extra flavor. Sweet potato fries are also a healthy alternative to take-out or frozen french fries. Cut your sweet potatoes into fries, drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and bake them in the oven until cooked. Mashed sweet potatoes with cream and butter also make a tasty side dish that, despite its sweet taste, won't be a problem for your blood sugar levels if consumed in controlled amount. You can even reduce the carb content of your mashed sweet potatoes by mixing them with equal amounts of mashed cauliflower. Make sure you accompany your sweet potatoes with a bit of fat from butter, olive oil or avocado and protein from meat, poultry or fish to get a balanced meal. more
Dec 09
Also wanted to say Thank you to you for clicking on Helpful. Your interests seem to be quiet similar to me for we exchange lots of resources on Local circle. I would like to also talk to you as per your convenience. Please share your contacts ( mobile and email ) and right time to talk. With regards, Vibhu +91-9910008262. more
Dec 09
Yes diabetics can eat sweet potatoes. Unlike other starchy vegetables, sweet potatoes are considered to be an âanti-diabetic food.â According to the American Diabetes Association, sweet potato has high fibre content, antioxidant nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, zinc, and other micronutrients such as potassium, magnesium, iron and Vitamin B, which help in diabetes management and prevention of diabetes complications such as heart attacks. The name "sweet potatoes" is misleading because it makes it seem like a food that is going to be intolerable for certain people, such as diabetics. However, research has demonstrated that sweet potatoes are anything but have shown to stabilize the blood sugar levels and also to lower resistance to insulin. Consequently, diabetics may be interested in adding sweet potatoes to their diet or already increasing their intake quantities. The reason may be the presence of soluble fiber in sweet potatoes, which itself acts to lower both cholesterol and blood sugar. Diabetics can include a variety of carbohydrates that are digested more slowly, such as the ones found in non-starchy vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts and sweet potatoes to stay healthier with their condition. Eating sweet potatoes in moderate amounts will help you keep your blood sugar levels in the healthy range even if you have diabetes. Also refer article at http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/sweet-potatoes-good-diabetics-1614.html more
Dec 09
