Easy to cook, versatile, tasty and affordable, it almost seems too good to be true that sweet potatoes are also incredibly healthy! These starchy root vegetables can be baked, boiled, roasted or grilled into nutritious meals or afternoon snacks, and your body will love you for fueling it with lasting goodness that tastes delicious. Whether you like yours cut into chips, pureed into a soup, or tucked inside a casserole, every bite will nourish you with high levels of vitamins and minerals which are necessary for optimum physical and psychological functions.
So what exactly makes sweet potatoes a superfood? Here are just 10 ways the golden sweet potato helps create stronger and happier bodies and minds.
B6
This vitamin supports our metabolic processes, adrenal function and nervous systems. Vitamin B6 helps break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins so we can absorb the most out of them, and it also helps a baby’s brain development and immune function during pregnancy and infancy.
C
We all know it strengthens the immune system, but vitamin C is also necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. This powerful vitamin is required to heal wounds, plays an important role in the maintenance of healthy cartilage, bones and teeth, and is necessary for the formation of collagen, so our skin can remain youthfully elastic! It also assists in the absorption of iron, protects the body from toxins, and helps us deal with stress.
D
Both a vitamin and a hormone, vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium and promotes bone growth. If you want healthy bones and a strong immune system, you need lots of this!
Iron
If you’re a vegetarian, sweet potatoes can be an excellent source of iron. We need iron to fight against fatigue, and it also helps supply oxygen to the body, increasing brain and muscle functions. It’s required for red and white blood cell production, coping with stress, immune functions and the metabolizing of protein.
Magnesium
A hot topic these days, magnesium is essentially a massage and a cup of tea. It’s a relaxation and anti-stress mineral that calms nerves and anxiety, increases energy naturally, relieves muscle aches, helps digestion, and helps the entire body regulate itself.
Potassium
This electrolyte helps maintain a healthy blood pressure, and regulates the heartbeat and nerve signals. It also helps enhance muscle strength and metabolism and can provide relief for high blood pressure, heart and kidney disorders and anxiety and stress. Like other electrolytes, potassium helps maintain a healthy balance of fluids in the body, and it can help reduce swelling and protects and controls the activity of kidneys.
Carotenoids
Carotenoids are found in rich, orange coloured fruits and vegetables. They help strengthen eyesight and acts as an immunity booster. These powerful antioxidants can also decrease the risk of cancer and protect us against the effects of aging.
Natural sugars
Sweet potatoes have natural sugars which are slowly released throughout the day into the bloodstream, so your energy bank will be balanced and sustainable. This way you can avoid sugar spikes and crashes which can cause fatigue and weight gain.
Fibre
This protects the skin, tissue and cells from environmental toxins and diseases, and also helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Phosphorous
Not to be confused with phosphate which is a salt that contains phosphorus, this mineral keeps kidneys healthy, aids in digestion, maintains healthy bones, assists brain function, helps repair and maintain body cells, regulates hormones and eliminates muscles weakness and fatigue.
At Seed Origin International, we specialize in this superb vegetable, grown by our local farmers in Indonesia. Get in touch with us for more information about our products and what you can do with them!
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