Why you Should Add More Sweet Potatoes to Your Diet

Sweet Potatoes aren’t just for Thanksgiving

When most people think of sweet potatoes, the first thing that comes to mind is digging in to a sweet or savory side dish at a Thanksgiving meal every year. However, sweet potatoes have so many essential nutrients and are so versatile that they can (and should) be eaten not just during the holidays, but at least once a week.

Sweet Vs. White Potato

When we compare sweet potatoes to white potatoes, sweet potatoes rank lower on the glycemic index chart, which means they won’t cause that spike in blood sugar levels. Sweet potatoes contain less calories and carbohydrates than the white potato and aslo contain more fiber.

More Vitamins in Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have extremely high levels of Beta Carotene, an antioxidant that helps maintain healthy skin and plays a vital role in eye health and vision. They are also high in vitamins C, E, and B6, which strengthen the immune system, help prevent blood clots from forming in the body, and may lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. These starchy, tuberous roots also have over 500% of the recommended daily amount of Vitamin A, packing more of a nutritional punch than most other vegetables.

Just one cup of sweet potatoes contains a little more than half of our daily requirement of Vitamin C!

Sweet Potatoes are Excellent for your Skin Health

Sweet potatoes have such high levels of vitamin A making them the perfect food for healthy beautiful skin. Including more in your diet will nourish your skin from the inside out.

Sweet Potatoes Aid Weight Loss and Carry Other Health Benefits

Sweet potatoes are high in protein, low in calories, and are fat- and cholesterol-free, making them an excellent part of a weight loss meal plan. They are incredibly high in fiber, which helps dieters feel fuller longer. They are also helpful in balancing blood sugar levels for those who are diagnosed with diabetes, due to their low glycemic index. However, sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates and natural sugars, which may inhibit weight loss, and should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The Different Varieties of Sweet Potatoes

There are thousands of varieties of sweet potatoes grown all over the world, and they come in a rainbow of different colors, from white to deep purple to the bright orange-copper hue we associate with the holiday buffet table. The most common types of sweet potato found in the US are Beauregard (bright orange flesh with red skin) and Jewell (deep orange flesh with light brown skin). More than 40% of the national supply of sweet potatoes come from a just small region of eastern North Carolina!

Sweet Potato Recipe Ideas for Every Meal

Sweet potatoes can be fried, baked, or even eaten raw, making them a truly versatile vegetable to use in all kinds of cooking. They are perfect in a hash with bacon and a fried egg for breakfast, or folded into batter to make pancakes. For lunch they can be sliced and baked into chips, or blended with carrot and ginger into a soup. Switch regular white potatoes for sweet potatoes in any recipe for a healthier dinner option, and bring on the dessert with sweet potato pudding or the traditional casserole.

Whether you need to lower blood sugar, want to lose weight, or you’re just looking to enjoy a healthy, delicious snack that is packed with vitamins and nutrients, definitely consider the sweet potato in its many varieties and forms. Include them in your weekly grocery list and try using them in different recipes, and you’ll be glad you didn’t wait until the next holiday season.