Unexpected Health Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes And How To Cook Them

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Video: Unexpected Health Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes And How To Cook Them

Video: Unexpected Health Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes And How To Cook Them
Video: Are Sweet Potatoes Healthy? Here's What Experts Say | TIME 2024, November
Unexpected Health Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes And How To Cook Them
Unexpected Health Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes And How To Cook Them
Anonim

Whether you eat them baked or boiled, sweet potatoes are a delicious addition to any meal. Root vegetables are affordable, easy to prepare, have a long shelf life and are excellent for you.

But what else to say about this starchy treasure? Is there sugar? It is true that most sweet potato recipes are for rich pies and nice side dishes covered with brown sugar, but there are many other ways to prepare them as a nutritious food, not just as a dessert.

See the nutritional value of sweet potatoes and see for yourself. An average sweet potato boasts an impressive nutritional profile:

103 calories; 2 g protein; 0 g total fat; 24 g carbohydrates

4 g fiber; 7 g sugar; 43 mg calcium; 62 mg phosphorus; 31 mg magnesium; 542 mg potassium; 21, 909 IU vitamin A; 22 mg of vitamin C.

Rich in vitamin A

Unexpected health benefits of sweet potatoes and how to cook them
Unexpected health benefits of sweet potatoes and how to cook them

The average sweet potato can contain up to six times your daily need for vitamin A, which is vital for the health of your eyes, bone development and immune system. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that your body is easier to absorb it when combined with a form of healthy fat, so eat sweet potatoes with a little olive oil, avocado or chopped nuts.

Carbohydrates good for you

Yes, sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates - but that doesn't necessarily scare you. Unlike the carbohydrates contained in white bread and packaged snacks, sweet potatoes contain complex carbohydrates that take longer for your body to absorb, leading to more sustainable energy.

What about all this natural sugar? Do not rush! Because sweet potatoes contain a healthy dose of fiber - which helps slow down the release of glucose in your body, your blood sugar will not jump excessively.

Pre-training fuel

Eat sweet potatoes a few hours before a workout to provide your body with long-lasting energy. Moreover, you will receive a dose of electrolytes in the form of potassium to help balance fluids in your body.

Improved intestinal health

Unexpected health benefits of sweet potatoes and how to cook them
Unexpected health benefits of sweet potatoes and how to cook them

Fiber can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol levels, and even positively alter the bacteria in your gut to reduce inflammation in your body.

It is true that most of us try to eat a varied diet, and older women need 25 to 29 grams of fiber a day. Along with the skin, sweet potatoes contain about 15% of your daily fiber needs, so eat them often to keep your gut healthy.

Better blood pressure

Potassium in sweet potatoes reduces the effects of sodium on the body and relaxes the walls of blood vessels, making it an important mineral for lowering blood pressure. The magnesium in sweet potatoes is an added plus, as the mineral actually helps transport potassium to the cells.

Sweet potatoes versus ordinary potatoes: which are better?

Choosing sweet potatoes instead of regular ones is not necessarily a healthier choice. While sweet potatoes contain vitamin A and fiber, white potatoes have more potassium. Each option is a healthy choice, but it all depends on their preparation.

To get the most benefit, bake or steam each type of potato. Leave their skin, as it contains many of the beneficial substances.

How about purple sweet potatoes?

The more color you can include in your diet, the better! While orange sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene (a compound with antioxidant properties), purple sweet potatoes have anthocyanins.

Sweet potatoes are a great addition to any meal of the day. Here are some easy ways to add more of them to your menu:

Unexpected health benefits of sweet potatoes and how to cook them
Unexpected health benefits of sweet potatoes and how to cook them

Breakfast: Toasted potato slices: Cut sweet potatoes into 2 cm slices and bake them in the toaster. Add your favorite additives - butter, melted cheese, peanut butter or avocado.

Lunch: For a lunch inspired by autumn, try a salad with spinach, sliced apple, baked sweet potatoes, grated cheddar and quinoa. Season with your favorite dressing.

Snack: Sweet potatoes are a great substitute for greasy potato chips. Make your own sweet potato chips by thinly slicing sweet potatoes and baking them at 250 degrees for about 30 minutes. You can also prepare some baked sweet potato cubes on Sunday and eat them with hummus for a well-balanced afternoon snack throughout the week.

Dinner: Bake the sweet potatoes in cubes and add boiled black beans, grated cheese, sausages, grated chicken and pour with yogurt as a healthier substitute for sour cream.

Dessert: Sweet potatoes are loved with cinnamon, maple syrup or dark chocolate. Use a set of these ingredients to make a delicious sweet potato dessert.

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