What are the benefits of sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are herbaceous plants belonging to the family Hyacinthaceae. The sweet potato tuber has a layered structure consisting of an outer skin and an inner flesh. The skin of the sweet potato can be orange, purple, red, or white depending on the variety. The inner flesh is also white, orange, or purple, depending on the variety and the nutrients it contains.

Sweet potatoes are a familiar food in our daily lives. They have a low starch content and contain many vitamins that are important for health.

Nutritional value of sweet potatoes

According to an article on the hellobacsi website, with medical consultation from Dr. Nguyen Thuong Hanh - Internal Medicine - General Medicine, Bac Ninh Provincial General Hospital, the effects of sweet potatoes depend largely on their nutritional value. 100g of sweet potato contains significant amounts of nutrients, minerals, and many vitamins, including:

- Vitamin A: Most abundant in orange sweet potatoes - containing a large amount of beta-carotene, which can improve vision and protect the eyes from harmful environmental factors. On average, one sweet potato contains more than 120% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A for the body.

- Vitamin C: Most abundant in red sweet potatoes - an important antioxidant for the immune system, reducing inflammation and increasing the body's recovery ability. Each sweet potato provides about 45% of the body's daily vitamin C requirement.

- Vitamin B6: Supports the body's metabolism of protein, sugar, and fat. Furthermore, it provides energy to maintain bodily functions and the nervous system.

- Fiber: The fiber in sweet potatoes helps improve digestion and maintain a stable weight. Fiber can also help control blood sugar and increase feelings of fullness. Each sweet potato can provide 4-6g of fiber, meeting the daily nutritional needs for maintaining a stable weight and controlling blood sugar.

- Potassium: Each sweet potato contains approximately 15% of the daily potassium requirement. This mineral is essential for basic bodily functions such as the functioning of the nervous system and muscles.

- Iron: On average, one sweet potato can provide 15-20% of the daily iron requirement. Iron produces red blood cells and delivers oxygen to the body's cells.

- Manganese: Each sweet potato provides approximately 25-30% of the body's daily manganese requirement. Manganese is an important mineral for many bodily processes, particularly in providing energy and supporting bone health.

What are the benefits of sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious, nutritious, and inexpensive, but they are also loved by many for the numerous health benefits they offer.

Preventing vitamin A deficiency

According to an article on the Medlatec General Hospital website, with medical consultation from Dr. Duong Ngoc Van, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A because they contain a high amount of beta-carotene, which helps the body fight various infections and increases resistance to future infections.

Controlling diabetes

According to Dr. Duong Ngoc Van, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index. This means they release sugar into the bloodstream very slowly compared to other starchy foods. This steady release helps control blood sugar levels. In addition, this root vegetable contains magnesium and high levels of fiber, which are crucial in managing and preventing diabetes.

Sweet potatoes have many health benefits. (Image: Pinterest)

Helps manage weight

According to Boldsky, sweet potatoes contain fermentable and soluble fiber. Therefore, eating sweet potatoes provides the body with a natural mechanism for maintaining and regulating weight. Fibers like pectin are not only effective in reducing food intake.

This type of fiber also increases the activity of hormones in the body. Therefore, consuming sweet potatoes will lead to a higher fiber intake, which helps with effective weight loss.

Supports the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Purple sweet potatoes are particularly effective in fighting cancer. The components in purple sweet potatoes can inhibit the growth of specific cancers such as stomach cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Furthermore, the high concentration of anthocyanins in purple sweet potatoes is beneficial in its anti-cancer activity against breast and stomach cancer.

Sweet potato extract may kill prostate cancer cells. These active compounds also ensure that the cancer does not spread or develop in any other parts of the prostate gland.

Improve hair and skin

According to the Outpatient Department of Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, this tuber is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are good for hair and skin.

Vitamin E has the potential to increase hair growth and density in people experiencing significant hair loss. This is because this vitamin has antioxidant properties that can help reduce one of the main causes of hair loss: oxidative stress.

Vitamin C is commonly used in the treatment of dermatological issues such as hyperpigmentation and skin aging. It is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a crucial structural protein of the skin. This vitamin also has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to manage skin problems like acne and promoting faster wound healing.

Supports digestion

Many people know that sweet potatoes help improve digestive problems and gut health due to their high fiber content. Consuming sweet potatoes can increase the amount of fiber the body needs, helping the digestive process function normally.

This root vegetable is also very helpful in preventing constipation. Therefore, you can definitely add sweet potatoes to your child's diet so they can benefit from this great advantage.

Khanh An (compiled)

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