5 reasons why sweet potatoes are a superfood

With outstanding benefits, sweet potatoes are not only a delicious dish but also a "super food" that supports health and beauty.

Eating sweet potatoes not only brings health benefits but also beautifies the skin. (Source: Pixabay)

According to specialist doctor Huynh Tan Vu - lecturer of traditional medicine department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, sweet potatoes are not only a familiar food but also bring many outstanding health benefits.

Sweet potatoes contain many nutrients necessary for the body so it is recommended to eat them more often.

Here are five main reasons why sweet potatoes are on the "superfood" list.

1. A rich source of nutrition for the body

Sweet potatoes contain many essential nutrients such as protein, sugar, lipid, phosphorus, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, C, PP and linolenic acid. 500g of sweet potatoes provide about 635 kcal, with vitamins B1 and B2 3 and 6 times higher than rice.

In particular, sweet potatoes are rich in lysine - a substance often lacking in rice and wheat flour. One sweet potato (100g) meets twice the daily requirement of vitamin A, 1/3 of the daily requirement of vitamin C and 50mg of folic acid, supporting overall health.

2. Prevent cancer and improve intestinal health

Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, vitamin C and folic acid - powerful antioxidants that help protect DNA, reducing the risk of cancer. High fiber content, equivalent to a bowl of oatmeal, promotes bowel movements, prevents constipation and colon and rectal cancer.

Mucin and polysaccharides in sweet potatoes support blood vessel elasticity, "lubricate" the digestive tract, respiratory tract and joints, contributing to reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.

3. Supports cardiovascular health

With potassium, beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C and B6, sweet potatoes help maintain heart function and stable blood pressure. Potassium balances body fluids and electrolytes, while beta-carotene and vitamin C fight fat oxidation, preventing atherosclerosis.

Folic acid and vitamin B6 reduce blood cysteine ​​levels - a factor that causes artery damage and cardiovascular disease risk, helping to effectively protect the cardiovascular system.

4. Supports weight loss and beautifies skin

Sweet potatoes have much lower calories than rice, helping you feel full for a long time without causing weight gain, very suitable for those who want to lose weight. Estrogen-like substances in sweet potatoes help maintain the skin, delay aging, causing many girls to choose sweet potatoes as a beauty food.

In particular, purple sweet potatoes are rich in anthocyanin, have high antioxidant activity, and enhance beauty effects.

5. Balance acid-base and improve overall health

Being an alkaline food, sweet potatoes help maintain the acid-base balance in the blood, improving overall health. Water-absorbing fiber helps prevent constipation, while mucin ensures elasticity of blood vessels and lubrication of organs.

One sweet potato provides up to 13,107 IU of beta-carotene, along with manganese, vitamin C, B6, potassium and iron, helping to prevent health decline and strengthen resistance.

Note, for people with impaired kidney function, the kidneys may not be able to filter, so limit sweet potato consumption. People with stomach ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome should not eat when hungry. Diabetics should only eat a little.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/5-ly-do-giup-khoai-lang-tro-thanh-sieu-thuc-pham-331566.html