Sweet potatoes are indeed sweet for your health. While sweet potato is a delicious root vegetable, research has found that it contains many nutrients and medicinal benefits. They come in a variety of shapes sizes and color.
Let’s consider 7 benefits of sweet potatoes.
1. Sweet potatoes can help manage diabetes
Sweet potato has a relatively low glycemic index which means that the sweet potatoes release sugar into the bloodstream slowly, unlike other starchy foods.
This steady release of sugar is what aids in controlling the blood sugar levels of individuals so that it does not go low or high. Sweet potato has a high fibre content which is beneficial for diabetes management.
Sweet potatoes are an important source of magnesium, which has also been shown to minimize the risk of individuals developing type II diabetes.
2. Sweet potatoes contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Sweet potatoes have a high concentration of choline, which helps support the nervous system and muscle movement. Choline helps reduce inflammatory responses in the body.
Studies have also shown that the purple sweet potato contained anthocyanins, which proved essential in reducing and preventing inflammation in colon cancer cells as well the reduction of cell proliferation in specific cancer cells.
3. Sweet potatoes have cancer fighting properties.
Sweet potatoes offer various antioxidants, which may help protect against certain types of cancers. These antioxidants are mostly found in the peels of potato. So to get the most nutrition from your sweet potatoes, don’t peel off the skin, simply scrub well before cooking.
Potatoes contains carotenoids such as beta carotene in which has been reported as having a significant effect on reducing the risk of prostate cancer in men ensuring that the cancer does not grow and spread to other parts of the body.
Beta-carotene can help prevent cellular damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. If levels of free radicals in the body get too high, cellular damage can occur, increasing the risk of some chronic health conditions.
Studies have also shown that Purple sweet potatoes are high in another natural compound called anthocyanin making it especially effective in the fight against cancer. This variation of the sweet potato has elements that are able to inhibit growth of specific cancers that include breast cancer, gastric cancer, and colon cancer by inducing the cell death of these cancer cells.
Research also shows that drinking raw sweet potato juice, has been effective in curing cancer and other chronic diseases such as hypertension. The amount needed for first preparation, is about 2 or 3 purple
sweet potato.
- Wash sweet potato cleanly, remove all sprouting parts as sprouting sweet potato and green stems contain Solanine which could poison people causing abdominal pain, fever, nausea and headaches.
- Grate into pieces (with skin) with a vegetable grater, after grating wrap them in clean woven cloth or cotton hemp cloth with big pores, then squeeze it hard to squeeze out juices.
- Drink these juice 30-60minutes before breakfast and dinner on an empty stomach. If possible, drink 1glass before dinner, everytime drink immediately after preparation, and daily persistence is most important. Those who cannot drink the whole glass in one go, can split the drinking into multiple times. Those who don’t like to just drink raw sweet potato juice, can mix it with apple juice it will be easier to drink.
This process should be a consitent one to achieve results and continued even after achieving results.
4. Sweet potatoes can help in minimizing the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Various studies have shown that sweet potatoes are a great source of B6 vitamins, which are powerful when it comes to the breaking down of homocysteine, a substance that contributes to the hardening of blood vessels and arteries.
And according to the American Heart Association, the potassium content contained in it can be very helpful for the heart, as it lowers blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance.
Other scientific studies have shown that the high levels of anthocyanin in the purple-fleshed sweet potato contributed to the vegetable’s ability to reduce the chances of coronary disease. In addition, sweet potatoes contain soluble dietary fibers, which have been strongly linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The leaves of sweet potatoes have also been found to contain high levels of polyphenols able to suppress oxidation in humans, decreasing the chances of development of cardiovascular disease
5. Sweet potatoes can help improve hair and skin
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin a, c and e. Vitamin A is known to help treat and manage sun damaged skin.
Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties which enable us manage skin diseases and promotes healing of wounds on the skin. To attain these benefits you can use the water used in par boiling the potato. Put in refrigerator and then use as a skin toner.
Studies have also shown that vitamin E present in poatoes have the potential of reducing oxidative stress which is a major cause of baldness.
6. Sweet potatoes are important for good vision
Sweet potatoes are an extremely important source of Vitamin A because they contain high levels of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in our body and is used to form light-detecting receptors inside the eyes.
7. Sweet potatoes are good for digestion
Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of fibers, which are essential in promoting a well-functioning digestive tract, as well as preventing constipation.
It is important to note that some of the nutritional benefits from sweet potatoes may be achieved with ease if you use steaming or boiling as your cooking method.
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