Winter Superfood; Sweet Potato (Shakarkand) Health Benefits | Nutrition Facts | Winter superfood – eat sweet potatoes daily, you will get 213% Vitamin A: Rich in minerals, beneficial for eyes, rich in anti-cancer elements.

Today’s food in the ‘Winter Superfood’ series is – ‘Sweet Potato.’

Sweet potato is also called sweet potato. It looks more or less like a potato, but is not a potato. This is a very nutritious winter vegetable. It contains rich amounts of Vitamin A, C and manganese. It also has anti cancer properties.

Many different varieties of sweet potatoes are available in the market. The pulp of red sweet potatoes is dry and solid, while the pulp of white and yellow sweet potatoes is juicy. The fragrance of red sweet potato is its special identity. It becomes more delicious after boiling.

It is a superfood of winter. If sweet potato is eaten daily during the winter season, it can easily fulfill the daily requirement of many vitamins like Vitamin A, C and B5. It also contains many minerals like copper, potassium and manganese.

so ‘Superfood of winter’ Today in the series we will talk about sweet potatoes. You will also learn that-

full of taste and health

Sweet potato is a very tasty vegetable. It can be eaten in any form, whether raw, boiled or roasted. You can also eat it by mixing it with milk. It is full of taste and health. Its nutritional value is what makes it beneficial. Let us see in the graphic what nutrients it contains.

Rich in vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes contain important vitamins like Vitamin A, C and B5 and many essential minerals like copper, potassium. Look at the graphic –

Sweet potato has many medicinal properties

Sweet potato is anti diabetic and also has anti cancer properties. It can reduce inflammation and prevent heart diseases. What other medicinal properties does it have, see the graphic:

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato

Eating sweet potatoes daily in winter increases the number of good microbes in the stomach and keeps digestion healthy. Skin and hair related problems increase in winter. Therefore, eating sweet potatoes can provide relief from these also.

It contains antioxidants like vitamin C, carotenoids and phenylpropanoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This also reduces the risk of serious diseases like cancer and stroke. What are its other benefits, see in the graphic:

Some common questions related to sweet potato and their answers

Question: How much sweet potato is it safe to eat daily?

answer: There is no guideline for this. Dr. Kushal Yadav says that it is safe to eat one to two sweet potatoes every day. Eating too much can cause stomach ache, diarrhea and bloating. Vitamin A toxicity can cause rashes and blood sugar can also increase.

Question: Does eating sweet potatoes cause constipation?

answer: No, this is not true. Eating sweet potatoes provides relief from constipation. Eating one sweet potato provides about 15% of the daily fiber requirement. It contains both soluble and non-soluble fibre, which helps in digestion and also prevents constipation.

Question: Can diabetic people eat sweet potatoes?

answer: Yes, you can definitely eat it. Sweet potato also has anti-diabetic properties. Its glycemic index is 54, but the glycemic load is only 11. Therefore it is considered good for diabetic people.

Dr. Kushal Yadav says that despite being sweet, diabetic people can eat sweet potato, because it contains complex carbohydrates. It takes more time to digest than refined carbs, so blood sugar does not increase rapidly and it also provides plenty of energy. It should be eaten only in limited quantities.

Question: Can we eat sweet potatoes if we have joint pain?

answer: Yes, you can definitely eat it. Sweet potato has anti-inflammatory properties. This provides relief from inflammatory conditions like arthritis. The problem of arthritis and joint pain increases in winter. Therefore it is more beneficial in winter.

Question: Does eating sweet potatoes improve eyesight?

answer: Yes, it is true. Sweet potatoes contain polyphenolic compounds, which are good for eye and retina health. It also contains beta-carotene, which provides vitamin A which is essential for eyesight. The presence of beta-carotene also prevents macular degeneration, the main cause of poor eyesight. Eating one sweet potato daily improves eyesight.

Question: Does eating sweet potatoes sharpen the brain?

answer: Yes, sweet potato is considered good for brain health. It is rich in vitamin B6, which synthesizes the neurotransmitter serotonin. It also contains anthocyanin, which improves memory. Eating one sweet potato daily improves brain health.

Question: Does eating sweet potatoes increase weight?

answer: No, this is not true. Sweet potato is a high fiber food. The carbs present in it are also complex, which digest slowly. Due to this, the stomach feels full for a long time and appetite decreases. In this way sweet potato is helpful in weight loss. However, it should be eaten within limits only.

Question: Is sweet potato good for heart health?

answer: Yes, sweet potato is good for heart health. It contains potassium in abundance, which keeps blood pressure under control and also reduces bad cholesterol. Therefore, eating one sweet potato daily reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

Question: Does eating sweet potatoes improve the health of skin and hair?

answer: Yes, sweet potato is beneficial for skin and hair. It contains Vitamin C in abundance, which increases the production of collagen. This special protein makes the skin glowing and reduces wrinkles.

Vitamin A present in sweet potato prevents hair fall and also controls dandruff. Therefore, eating sweet potatoes keeps the health of skin and hair good.

Question: Are there any side effects of eating sweet potatoes?

answer: Yes, sweet potatoes contain very high amounts of oxalate. Therefore there is a risk of kidney stones. If you have ever had the problem of stones, then you should avoid eating it or consult a doctor first. Allergic reactions may also be seen in some people.

Question: Who should not eat sweet potatoes?

answer: These people should not eat sweet potatoes:

Graphic: Ankur Bansal

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