Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

7 Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are considered a "superfood" by nutritionists because they have a high nutrient content in addition to many essential vitamins and minerals. Adding sweet potatoes to your diet can reduce the severity of chronic illnesses and also help prevent heart disease, eye issues, and more. Below we've listed seven of the wonderful health benefits of sweet potatoes.

Why You Should Eat More Sweet Potatoes!

1. Healthy Digestion

Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system. Adding sweet potatoes to your diet can reduce constipation and potentially reduce your risk of colon cancer.

2. Immune System Support

A single medium-sized sweet potato has 400% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin A, which is an essential vitamin for a healthy immune system. Sweet potatoes are also high in Vitamin C, which boosts immune system function and helps to reduce the risk of infections.

3. Eye Health

The high concentration of Vitamin A found in sweet potatoes is essential for eye health. Sweet potatoes also contain beta-carotene, which helps to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.

4. Heart Health

Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, which lowers blood pressure and helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. They also include important antioxidants which prevent oxidative damage to the heart.

5. Weight Loss

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and low in calories. Eating sweet potatoes a couple times a week can promote weight loss and prevent obesity.

6. Reduce Inflammation

The beta-carotene and anthocyanins found in sweet potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that help with chronic diseases like arthritis.

7. Manage Diabetes

Sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index. This means they are slowly absorbed by the body and will reduce potential spikes in blood sugar levels.

Grow Your Own Own Sweet Potatoes!

As you can see sweet potatoes are not only delicious, but they are good for you too! And nothing tastes better than a homegrown sweet potato from your backyard garden. Whether you garden in containers, raised beds, or have an in-ground garden, you can easily grow your own sweet potatoes with our sweet potato plants. See all our varieties here and start growing!

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