There are hundreds of types of sweet potatoes and a yam is not one of them. A yam is actually a different tuber all together. Many of us may not be able to tell the difference between a yam and a sweet potato since our grocery stores usually label the orange variety of sweet potato a yam. Sweet potatoes range in color from white, to yellow, to deep orange, to purple. Afraid to eat them 'cause of their sweetness? Don't be!!! The sweet potato is one of those nutritionally dense foods that should be eaten despite their sweetness. Generally sweet potatoes have Manganese, Folate, Copper and Iron. The darker varieties tend to have more mineral content like beta-carotene, which is best absorbed when eaten with a healthy fat. They also have Vitamins C, B2, B6, E, and biotin. Here are the top 5 reasons to eat more sweet potatoes, whatever their color:
- Reduce Inflammation- they contain antioxidants which lower inflammation in our body. Inflammation is the root cause for most illnesses like Asthma, Heart Disease, Gout, etc.
- Fiber-healthy for the digestive tract and lowering risk of certain cancers.
- Potassium- maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body which is crucial for stabilizing blood pressure and regulating heart function Also reduces muscle cramps.
- Nutritious- a rich source of dietary fiber, natural sugars, complex carbohydrates, protein, carotenoids, Vitamin C, Folate, Iron, and Calcium. They have a low glycemic index.
- Delicious!-they taste so good! Add them cooked to smoothies, salads, soups, etc. Although they CAN be eaten raw it is NOT a best practice. They contain a chemical, which is cooked out, that prevents the proper digestion of protein which can cause GI issues.
Try these recipes: