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Sweet Potato Nutrition Facts

Sweet Potato Nutrition Facts
The sweet potato is an orange-skinned root vegetable, with edible leaves and shoots. Although it is called a sweet potato, it is not a close relative of the potato. The sweet potato can be found yellow, orange, red, brown, beige and even purple. Sweet potatoes with orange, pink or red flesh are sweeter than those with white or pale yellow flesh. It is believed that sweet potatoes originated in South or Central America as far back as 8,000 BC and were domesticated approximately 5,000 years ago. Sweet potatoes are an extremely nutritious food and carry many health benefits for those who eat them regularly.
Interesting Sweet Potato Nutrition Facts:
The scientific name for sweet potato is lpomoea batatas. It belongs to the Convolvulaceae family.
Sweet potatoes are called kumara in New Zealand, and in some parts of North America they are called yams (although yams are not sweet potatoes).
North Carolina's state fruit is the sweet potato.
Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene. Consuming sweet potatoes with some fat helps the body absorb more of the beta-carotene.
Sweet potatoes may be a better source of bioavailable beta-carotene than leafy green vegetables.
The anthocyanin found in sweet potatoes have many important health benefits including being high in antioxidants and containing anti-inflammatory nutrients.
The sweet potato's cyanidins and peonidins may have the added benefit of reducing the health risk associated with heavy metals as well as oxygen radicals.
Sweet potatoes are able to help raise blood levels of vitamin A.
Sweet potatoes contain storage proteins that help the plant to heal when it is physically damaged. It is believed that these proteins are related to their antioxidant role and may transfer to those who consume the vegetable.
Sweet potatoes contain anti-inflammatory phytonutrient properties that reduce inflammation in the body.
The phytonutrients in sweet potatoes have a positive impact on fibrinogen, which is a glycoprotein and is required for proper blood clotting. Blood clotting is necessary to help close open wounds and to stop excessive bleeding.
Despite the fact that sweet potatoes are a starchy vegetable and have a medium glycemic index rating, they actually improve blood sugar regulation. They are high in fiber which also contributes to their blood sugar regulating properties.
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, anthocyanins, phytonutrients, sporamins (storage proteins), vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, potassium, dietary fiber, niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, phosphorus, and approximately 180 calories per 200 grams.
Sweet potatoes contain approximately 65% of the daily requirement of vitamin C in only a 1 cup serving.
Most of the healing properties in sweet potatoes are found in the skin.
Sweet potatoes help fight the free radicals in the body that contribute to aging.
The best sweet potatoes to buy are those that are firm and free of any soft spots, bruises or cracks. They should be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated environment. In the proper environment they will remain fresh for up to ten days.
Maximum nutritional benefits from sweet potatoes are gained when they are steamed. The skin should also be eaten for maximum health benefit.


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