Sweet Potato Health Benefits

The sweet potato is the sister to the ever so popular white potato commonly known as Irish or Idaho potatoes. The sweet potatoes health benefits is one to be excited about. The sweet vegetable with red skin, yellow, orange or purple flesh might not be as popular as the white potato, but is delicious and nutritious non-the-less. In recent years there have been many studies conducted that shows that there are numerous health benefits of sweet potatoes. The sweet potato nutrients are essential to optimal health performance and should be included in our diets.

As one of the oldest foods in the world. Evidence exists that the potato dates back 10,000 years. First discovery was in the Peruvian caves, and was first grown in Central America. It was Christopher Columbus who introduced it to the New World in 1492.

The sweet potato nutrition starts with with beta-carotene, it seems that the sweet potato is medicine, yet who would complain about such tasty medication. The question is, how important is beta-carotene? Also known as vitamin A or retinol this very important vitamin is essential for night vision and healthy skin. Beta-carotene is also very essential in the prevention of cancer formation and prevention of diseases by boosting the immune system. It also helps the immune system to fight of cancer formation and other diseases with it's antioxidant properties. We can safely say that the sweet potato is a super food.

Sweet potato benefits do not stop with the Vitamin, it also has the valuable vitamin C which is another very powerful anti-oxidant that strengthens the immune system and fight free radicals. Manganese, Copper, potassium and iron are minerals contained in sweet potatoes. Anthocyanin is a pigment found in sweet potatoes and is known for it's anti-inflammatory properties. The phytonutrients in sweet potatoes are known to reduce inflammation in the brain and nervous tissues throughout the body. Another important function is the regulation of blood sugar levels by increasing adiponectin in people with type two diabetes. Adiponectin is produced by our fats cells as a protein hormone and plays a very important role in the modification of the metabolism of insulin.

Including this tasty vegetable in the diet can only enhance your health. There are many ways to prepare it including entree, desserts, soups and salads. Pick some up in the green isle while grocery shopping.

The sweet potato is very tasty and the truth is I am not sure if I prefer this one to the white one but I know that this one might be a a little more diverse in its uses than the white potato because of its flavor and color.

Here are ways in which they sweet potato can be used:-

• sweet potato fries
• sweet potato wedges
• potato pie
• sweet potato pudding (a Jamaican specialty)
• candied potatoes
• sweet potato salad
• mashed sweet potatoes (mash with cheese for added zip)
• potato smoothie
• potato drink/punch
• sweet potato loaf
• sweet potato crisp or chips
• sweet potato cake
• sweet potato souffle
• sweet potato mousse
• simple baked sweet potato

The truth is you can use sweet potato however you like in whatever dishes you like. Experiment and create your own dishes, The greatest thing to remember is the nutritional benefits of the sweet potato.