Sweet potatoes are a low-fat source of nutrients beneficial to human health. The two parts of the sweet potato most commonly used are the tuber and the leaves.
Some people believe that the potato tuber provides the greatest nutritional value, while the leaves are just a common, less tasty, and less nutritious option compared to some other vegetables. Others argue that potato leaves are the source of many vitamins and minerals beneficial to the body.
It's impossible to compare sweet potato tubers and leaves because both have their own nutritional values and uses. Sweet potatoes are classified as a staple food, providing starch; most notably, many people use sweet potatoes for breakfast instead of rice, noodles, or pho because they provide a significant amount of carbohydrates to the body.
Sweet potato leaves, belonging to the leafy vegetable group, are used in cooking, such as in soups, boiled dishes, and stir-fries, providing many nutritional benefits for health.
Many people wonder whether it's better to eat the tubers or the leaves of sweet potatoes. (Illustrative image)
Studies show that sweet potato leaves are rich in vitamin B2, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which help cleanse the digestive system, reduce heat, detoxify, and effectively lower blood fat. In particular, sweet potato leaves contain flavonoids, which promote glucose absorption in peripheral tissues and enhance insulin secretion, helping to prevent diabetes.
If we have a reliable source of vegetables, we should use them regularly, combining them with other vegetables to ensure a diverse range of food groups in our meals. Additionally, sweet potato leaves spoil very quickly, so be sure to remove them as soon as they are cooked to preserve their vitamins and minerals.
Sweet potatoes are rich in starch, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and contain many antioxidants that help protect the body. However, they should not be eaten in large quantities at once or continuously. The reason is that they can raise blood sugar levels due to their relatively high starch content.
Although sweet potato leaves are nutritious, they are not suitable for everyone. Some people should limit their consumption, including those with diarrhea, gastritis due to excess stomach acid, low blood sugar, and kidney stones. If you want to eat sweet potato leaves for laxative purposes, you should eat them boiled fresh; eating them raw can cause constipation.
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