Consumption of sweet potatoes has been associated with good health and nutrition status.
Sweet potatoes have mainly been studied in association with vitamin A deficiency, blood sugar regulation and antioxidant activity.
1. Prevention of Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A plays an important role in our body, and deficiency in this essential nutrient is a major public health issue in many developing countries.
Deficiency can cause both temporary and permanent damage to the eyes and even lead to blindness. It can also suppress immune function and increase mortality, especially among children and pregnant and lactating women.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of highly bioavailable beta-carotene that is transformed into vitamin A in our bodies.
The intensity of the yellow or orange color of the sweet potato is directly linked to the beta-carotene content.
Orange sweet potatoes have been shown to have a superior ability to increase blood levels of vitamin A compared to other beta-carotene sources, as they contain the “trans” variety of beta-carotene, which is highly bioavailable.
This makes the consumption of sweet potatoes an excellent strategy against vitamin A deficiency in developing countries.
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2. Improved Blood Sugar Regulation
Imbalance in blood sugar levels and insulin secretion are the main characteristics of diabetes.
A certain type of sweet potato, with white skin and flesh (Caiapo), has been suggested to improve diabetic symptoms in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The Caiapo sweet potato may decrease fasting blood glucose and LDL-cholesterol levels, as well as increase insulin sensitivity.
However, the current data is considered insufficient to prove the effectiveness of sweet potatoes in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Further human research is needed.
3. Reduced Oxidative Damage and Cancer Risk
Oxidative damage to cells is often associated with increased risk of cancer, an adverse condition where cells grow beyond their normal boundaries and into other tissues.
Diets rich in antioxidants, such as carotenoids, have been associated with lower risk of stomach, kidney and breast cancers.
Studies have shown that sweet potatoes contain potent antioxidants that may neutralize free radicals, harmful substances that can increase the risk of cancer. Purple potatoes have the highest antioxidant activit
The antioxidant activity of purple sweet potatoes has been found to be 3 times higher than that of a certain variety of blueberries, but blueberries are considered extremely high in antioxidants.
Sweet potatoes are underground tubers that are usually orange, although varieties in other colors (such as purple) exist.
They are excellent sources of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), as well as many other vitamins, minerals and plant compounds.
Sweet potatoes may have several health benefits, such as improved blood sugar regulation, improved vitamin A status and reduced risk of several types of cancer.
In conclusion,
sweet potatoes are nutritious, cheap, taste great and are very easy to incorporate into the diet.
