7 Properties Of Sweet Potato

The most common presentations of this tuberculous root are usually puree and vegetable soup. However, there are many more recipes. Discover all its properties!

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas),  also known as sweet potato or sweet potato, is a versatile vegetable characterized by its important nutritional value. The name “sweet potato” comes from the Nahuatl camohtli, in  addition, it is a herbaceous, perennial and climbing plant that prefers tropical and subtropical climates with mild temperatures (14-26ºC).

In recent years it has become popular, since interesting medicinal properties have been found among its components. In fact, a review published in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggests that it is currently considered a valuable source of drugs with pharmacological action that can be used for the benefit of health. What are its properties?

Nutritional properties of sweet potato

As we already mentioned, the sweet potato has become popular for representing an important source of nutrients. In general, they are a source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. According to information published in the Food and Nutrition Information Center , 100 grams of sweet potato provides:

• Calories:  86
• Water:  77%
• Protein:  1.6 grams
• Carbohydrates:  20.1 grams
• Sugar:  4.2 grams
• Fiber:  3 grams
• Fat:  0.1 grams
• Vitamins A, C, E and complex B.
• Potassium, magnesium and copper.

Also, information disclosed in Food Research International , states that the potato contains bioactive carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolic acids.

1. Take care of the skin

Including sweet potatoes in your regular diet is one way to get nutrients that promote healthy skin. According to research published in Food Chemistry , this food contains phenolic compounds, beta-carotene and other antioxidant substances that help to inhibit oxidative stress.

The latter is important, because, according to a publication in the journal Biomolecules, oxidative stress plays an important role in the aging process of the skin, accelerating the appearance of signs of aging.

2. Eating sweet potatoes protects against vision problems

Although the sweet potato is not a miracle food against vision problems, it does have nutrients that are beneficial for visual health. In particular, its high concentration of beta-carotene, which is synthesized as vitamin A in the body, helps prevent visual impairment and cataracts.

It can also help prevent a special type of blindness known as xerophthalmia, associated with vitamin A deficiency, according to a study published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health .

3. Promotes good circulation

In addition to vitamins, it has antioxidants, especially beta-carotene. These serve to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol, whose accumulation in the arteries can hinder circulation.

According to a study published in Food and Nutrition Research , carotenoids help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, eating sweet potatoes is a great supplement for people at risk, such as those with circulation problems, high blood pressure or cholesterol.

4. Sweet potato helps improve digestion

Coinciding with the data from a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry ,   the sweet potato or sweet potato has two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Thanks to this, including them in the diet helps improve digestion and fight constipation. 

5. Promotes healthy brain function

Sweet potatoes contain anthocyanins, which is why they also contribute to healthy brain function. In mouse studies, supplementing sweet potato extract with anthocyanins has been found to improve learning and memory.

6. Improves blood glucose regulation

It is not a treatment to combat diabetes; however, eaten as a nutritional supplement, sweet potato can be beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes, as demonstrated by a study published in Diabetes Care . Apparently, it not only helps regulate blood glucose, but increases insulin sensitivity.

7. Folic acid for pregnancy

The  folic acid is a key nutrient to the gestation period . This substance is very important in the first stage of the baby’s growth. In fact, its deficit affects the brain and spinal cord of the fetus. The sweet potato, being a food that provides this nutrient, is a good option to supplement the diet during pregnancy.

Sweet potato helps improve the quality of the diet

There are many reasons to incorporate sweet potatoes into your diet. Although it is not a super powerful food or the like, its intake provides us with nutrients that are essential to promote well-being. Ready to try it?