By Bisola Adeyemo
Sweet potato is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. It is large, starchy and sweet-tasting.
Findings indicate that sweet potato contains a high level of Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene that can fulfill 1.033% of daily nutrition.
However, it is important to note that lack of vitamin A deteriorates the outside segment of the photo-receptor which eventually breaks normal vision.
Nevertheless, consuming vitamin A with high beta-carotene will help return our vision ability. In addition, the Vitamin C and E contained in sweet potatoes are proven effective to support the health of our eyes as well as prevent them from degenerative failure.
Various studies have shown that sweet potatoes are a great source of B6 vitamins, which are powerful when it comes to the breaking down of homocysteine, a substance that contributes to the hardening of blood vessels and arteries.
And according to the American Heart Association, the potassium content contained in it can be very helpful for the heart, as it lowers blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance.
Findings from studies suggest that sweet potato contains anti-carcinogenic properties like beta-carotene. And beta-carotene may reduce the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women and ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women.
As a matter of fact, purple sweet potatoes may be even more effective in staving off cancer when compared to other foods with anti-carcinogenic properties, as it has been shown to have better cancer-fighting abilities, with a positive effect on cancer cell growth.
Here we look five(5) ways in which the potato might contribute to a healthful lifestyle, including preventing osteoporosis, maintaining heart health, and reducing the risk of infection.
1) Bone health
The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and zinc in potatoes all help the body to build and maintain bone structure and strength.
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2) Blood pressure
A low sodium intake is essential for maintaining a healthy blood pressure, but increasing potassium intake may be just as important. Potassium encourages vasodilation or the widening of the blood vessels.
3) Heart health
The potato’s fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health.
Potatoes contain significant amounts of fiber. Fiber helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Research based on the NHANES has linked Trusted Source a higher intake of potassium and a lower intake of sodium to a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and heart disease.
4) Inflammation
Choline is an important and versatile nutrient that is present in potatoes. It helps withTrusted Source muscle movement, mood, learning, and memory. It also assists in: maintaining the structure of cellular membranes, transmitting nerve impulses, the absorption of fat and early brain development.
5) Cancer
Potatoes contain folate. Folate plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair, and so it prevents many types of cancer cells from forming due to mutations in the DNA.
Fiber intake from fruits and vegetables like potatoes are associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer.
Vitamin C and quercetin also function as antioxidants, protecting cells against damage from free radicals.
