We know we've talked about these dirt-covered delectables before, but we've have been craving yams/sweet potatoes A LOT lately and our customers are buying them as fast as we can get them in! So besides being delicious, why can't we get enough of these root vegetables? More often than not, when we crave veggies our body is telling us we need the vitamins and minerals they provide. Sweet potatoes are brimming with healthy nutrients, but they also have so much more to offer!
Provides essential nutrients – When it comes to their basic makeup, sweet potatoes are roughly 77 percent water, 20 percent complex carbs, three percent fiber and 1.6 percent protein. They also provide ample amounts of vitamin A, C, potassium, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium, and copper.
Lowers heart disease risk – Potassium and magnesium, two important minerals found in sweet potatoes, support healthy heart function by lowering your blood pressure.
Improves digestive health – Because sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, they can boost your digestion by keeping food moving along your intestines.
Helps control blood sugar – Despite their natural sugars, sweet potatoes are quite safe to eat, even for diabetics. For starters, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index. This means you digest them more slowly, causing a more gradual rise in your blood sugar levels. This effect can be attributed to the carbs and fiber in sweet potatoes.
Combats inflammation – Sweet potatoes get their orange color from beta-carotene, which also acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which cause inflammation and damage DNA.
Strengthens immune health – When consumed, beta-carotene is transformed into vitamin A. Our bodies use this nutrient to ensure the normal functioning of our immune system. Vitamin C is another antioxidant found in sweet potatoes well-known for its role in enhancing immune health.
Maintains good vision – Vitamin A is key to maintaining healthy eyes and good vision. Plus, sweet potatoes are rich in other antioxidants that also support eye health, such as lutein and zeaxanthin.
Helps relieve stress – Thanks to their high magnesium content, sweet potatoes may help you relax. Studies have shown that magnesium plays a role in calming the brain. In fact, having low levels of magnesium has been linked to mood disturbances, headaches and even depression.
Supports brain health – Sweet potatoes may help improve your memory as you age. This memory-enhancing effect can be traced to anthocyanins, a group of pigments that double as antioxidants. Plus, choline and manganese in sweet potatoes are known for supporting brain health and development.