15 nutritional values from sweet potatoes

HEALTH

The sweet potato is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family.

It is large, starchy and sweet-tasting. In Uganda, sweet potatoes thrive better in mountainous areas and over time a number of varieties have been introduced into the country.

Here are the nutritional benefits of potatoes

1 Sweet Potatoes are an excellent choice for diabetics since they contain natural sugars that decrease and stabilise the insulin resistance in diabetic people. They are also good for the regulation of the sugar levels.

2 Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fibre, which are good for digestion. These also reduce chances of getting colon cancer and help with constipation.

3 They are valuable in production of Vitamin A, which helps to regenerate the respiratory system. So people with respiratory problems, especially smokers should consume sweet potatoes more often.

4 Vitamin D is also contained in sweet potatoes. This vitamin is good for the teeth, heart, skin, bones, energy levels, as well as for the normal function of the thyroid gland.

5 With the help of the potassium in potatoes, sweet potatoes are vital for proper heart functioning. This lowers the impact of the sodium, regulating and helps with blood balance.

6 The potassium is also vital for proper functioning of body tissues and muscles. It helps in reducing swelling and crumps. It also provides energy and relaxes the muscles.

7 The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes acts like an ant-oxidant, it helps with arthritis and asthma. It can be vital in fighting both lung and breast cancer.  This also reduces aging effects.

8 Since sweet potatoes are a rich in folic acid, they are a good source of folic for featal development. Pregnant women should consume more sweet potatoes to ensure a good level of folic.

9 The potassium content in the sweet potatoes ensures good flow of oxygen regulates the balance of the body's water and normalises the heartbeat.  The magnesium on the other hand, acts as an anti-stress agent.

10 Sweet potatoes have abundance of vitamin C, which is vital for the bones and teeth.

11 They are also rich in iron, which has a crucial role in the production of the red and white blood cells. That is why they help fight against anaemia.

12 Did you know that you can use water from the boiled potatoes for treating your skin, especially for irritation of the skin, clearing the pores and absorbing impurities? The vitamin D contained in the potatoes also help in restoring the complexion of the skin.

13 If you suffer from painful pre-menstrual signs, the iron and manganese in sweet potatoes will sooth them.

14 Having problems with damaged hair and dandruff? The beta-carotene will prevent them and stimulate hair growth.

15 The abundance of vitamin enzymes, they ease carbohydrates and the proteins consumption.