SWEET POTATO

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. Its large, starchy, sweet-tasting, tuberous roots are a root vegetable. The young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens.

Sweet potato benefits are listed below.

1-Improves digestion. The fiber content is higher than that of common potato and when combined with minerals like magnesium, it makes an excellent facilitator for digestion. They are easy to digest since they mainly contain starch.

2-Prevents dehydration. The fiber or roughage in sweet potatoes helps the body retain water. This maintains water balance in the body keeping your cells functioning efficiently and keeping you hydrated.

3-Promotes weight gain. Sweet potatoes contain good amounts of complex starch, along with healthy minerals, vitamins, and proteins that provide a lot of energy and are bulk builders.

4-Suitable for diabetics. They are a delicious and versatile substitute for white potatoes. Rich in fiber, beta carotene and has a low glycemic index.

5-Reduces inflammation. Sweet potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties and are due to the presence of beta-carotene, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and magnesium.

6-Treat stomach ulcers. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, potassium, and calcium which are all very effective in curing stomach ulcers. The roughage obtained from fiber prevents constipation and the resultant acid formation.

7-Boost the immune system. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. All these nutrients help in strengthening immunity and keeping you healthy.

8-Possess anticancer potential. Sweet potato anthocyanin-rich diets help reduce and inhibit tumor growth.

9-Reduces arthritis pain. Beta-carotene, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B complex make sweet potatoes a highly important food source for managing arthritis.

10-Treat bronchitis. Sweet potatoes are believed to be capable of warming up the body, possibly due to the sweetness and other nutrients that impact body temperature. This property is beneficial for people suffering from bronchitis, along with its powerful effect on congestion. The concentration of vitamin C, iron, and other nutrients helps to treat bronchitis.