Health Benefits of Sweet Potato

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is best suited for southern gardens due to the need for a long, frost free growing season. Sweet potatoes belong to Convolvulaceae, the morning glory family. The sweet potato flower is very similar to ornamental morning glories-funnel-shaped and about the same color and size.

The sweet potato evolved in tropical America and ranked second only to the Irish potato as an important vegetable until World War II. The nutritive value of the sweet potato is high. It is a good source of sugars, carbohydrates,calcium, iron, and other minerals and vitamins, particularly A and C.

Nutritive Values : Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A : 7,700 I.U.
• Vitamin B : Thiamine .09 mg.;
• Riboflavin : .05 mg.
• Niacin : .6 mg.
• Vitamin C : 22 mg.
• Calcium : 30 mg.
• Iron : .7 mg.
• Phosphorus : 49 mg. 
• Potassium : 300 mg.
• Fat : .7 gm.
• Carbohydrates : 27.9 gm.
• Protein : 1.8 gm.
• Calories : 123

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato
1. Sweet potato is rich in Vitamin A (betacarotene) and Vitamin C. Both Vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that work in the body to remove free radicals, this free radicals are chemicals that damage cells.
2. Sweet potato is good for stomach ulcers and inflamed conditions of the colon.
3. It is beneficial for low blood pressure.
4. May be helpful for hemorrhoid because of its high fiber content.
5. Sweet potato is a good food for people involved in heavy muscular work, since this food is high in vitamins and minerals.
6. Sweet potato may help prevent cancer in glands and organs with epithelial tissue due to its high Vitamin A content.
7. Sweet potato is a good food for diabetics, because it helped stabilize blood sugar levels.