Sweet Potatoes – Great Taste and High in Nutrition

Sweet potatoes are one of the greatest foods for health and taste. These inexpensive, readily available distant cousin of potatoes is are a powerhouse of nutritional goodness. Contrary to popular belief, sweet potatoes are not yams but are in the same family as morning glories. This delicious, starchy, tuberous root must be made a part of your diet. Here’s why.

High in Vitamin C – Although you may be aware vitamin C is good for colds and flu, did you know it is also good for digestion, bone, and tooth and blood cell formation? Vitamin C also increases the rapidity of wound healing and helps maintain the elasticity of your skin helping you look young. It is also excellent for stress. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps fight diseases, such as, gout, arthritis, asthma, and cancer.

Full of Vitamin B6 – Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin B6, which lowers chemicals, such as, homocysteine. This chemical is linked with diseases that include heart attacks.

Good Source of Vitamin D – Vitamin D is primarily produced in the body through sunlight. However, sweet potatoes too, are a good source of vitamin D. Seasonal affective disorder or SAD is linked with inadequate sunlight. So, if you wish to avoid SAD you need to eat sweet potatoes and boost your vitamin D levels. Plus, vitamin D builds healthy bones, skin, and teeth.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels – This sweet vegetable is excellent for you if you have blood sugar problems. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevents insulin resistance problems.

Source of Potassium – Potassium helps regulate fluid and electrolytes in the body which is important for the heartbeat and nerve signals. This prevents the onset of heart attack and stroke. Lack of potassium can cause muscle cramps and lower energy levels. By eating sweet potatoes, you can avoid muscle cramps and feel energized in order to carry out your daily activities.

Natural Sweet Taste – Sweet potatoes may be naturally sweet, but, the natural sugars are released slowly into the bloodstream and this, provides a balanced energy source and does not cause all the problems associated with a sudden spike in blood sugar as with some foods.

Sweet potatoes can be eaten fried, roasted, baked, pureed, or grilled. No matter which way you eat them, you are sure to get the great taste and high nutrition of sweet potatoes.

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