Benefits of sweet potato
Posted on: 24/Jan/2016 4:29:52 PM
Sweet potatoes are tubers that belong to the morning glory family. The vegetable has been declared as one of the top 10 diabetes super foods by the American Diabetes Association. Asia is the largest producer of sweet potatoes. It is the sixth most important crop in the world, followed by rice, wheat, potatoes, maize and cassava.
Sweet potatoes are high in starch and fibre. The fibre content contributes to a lower glycemic index of 44. Potatoes, on the other hand, have a glycemic index of 80. Due to the low index, it is considered a useful carbohydrate for weight watchers and diabetics.
How you cook the vegetable affects the glycemic index. For example, boiled or mashed sweet potatoes are digested faster and, therefore, increase their glycemic index. Instead, for diabetics, the recommended cooking method is sautéing or roasting with the skin on.
Sweet potatoes are high in fibre, and antioxidant nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, zinc, and other micronutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron and Vitamin B. The variety of sweet potato that has orange flesh is a source of beta carotene. These nutrients help people who suffer from obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Flavonoids in the purple variety of sweet potato can decrease blood sugar and lipid levels. In China, sweet potato is believed to have anti cancerous properties.
