Food
Health Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes
I love sweet potatoes, but I had no idea they were so healthy, too!
Kalli Sarkin
06.17.17

Sweet potatoes are delicious, inexpensive, and nutritional. Most popular in the form of sweet potato fries, this yummy root vegetable is also great baked or grilled. The best part? It has so many health benefits! Here are 10 health benefits of sweet potatoes.

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Runner's World
Source:
Runner's World

1. They are rich in vitamin A.

Vitamin A supports a healthy immune system by helping the skin and mucous membranes to effectively repel bacteria and viruses. It is also essential to bone growth and reproductive health. Sweet potatoes are one of the rare foods that are extremely high in vitamin A.

2. They are high in vitamin B6.

The B vitamins support skin, hair, eye, and liver health. Vitamin B6 helps to prevent degenerative diseases such as heart attacks by reducing the chemical homocysteine in our systems.

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Live Science
Source:
Live Science

3. They are rich in vitamin C.

You’ve probably heard that vitamin C helps to build up your immune system and ward off cold and flu viruses, but did you know that it also improves your mental health? Vitamin C helps our bodies cope with stress. It also helps our skin retain a healthy glow by producing collagen. If you want to look and feel better, grab a sweet potato.

4. They are high in vitamin D.

This essential nutrient is both a vitamin and a hormone. Vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones and a strong immune system. It even factors into our energy levels and moods. If you’re feeling tired toward the end of the day, try adding sweet potatoes to your diet.

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Food Network
Source:
Food Network

5. They are a good source of potassium.

Potassium is best known for helping to prevent muscle cramps, but it also has other amazing qualities. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate heartbeat and nerve signals. It also helps to support healthy and efficient kidneys.

6. They contain iron.

Iron is essential to maintaining energy levels throughout the day. It also helps in the production of red and white blood cells and the metabolism of proteins and other nutrients. Iron helps support a properly functioning immune system and a healthy resistance to stress.

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Food Network
Source:
Food Network

7. They are a good source of magnesium.

You probably don’t keep track of how much magnesium you eat in a day, but this mineral is crucial to your daily health. Magnesium is essential to your arteries, blood, bones, heart, muscles, and nerves. Even if you don’t want to keep track of your magnesium intake each day, you can rest easy knowing that sweet potatoes are helping you with your health.

8. They have natural sugar.

You may have heard advice to stay away from sugar, but the natural sugars in this starch are easily broken down by the body. They are slowly released in the bloodstream, so, unlike eating other kinds of sugar, getting your sugar fix from sweet potatoes won’t make you crash later.

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Serious Eats
Source:
Serious Eats

9. They contain powerful antioxidants.

Sweet potatoes are high in carotenoids, such as beta carotene, that strengthen our eyesight and boost our immune system. These antioxidants even help ward off cancer and protect against the effects of aging.

10. They are high in fiber.

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, which helps to promote digestive health. I would way rather eat a sweet potato than one of those awful fiber bars!

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they have some pretty great health benefits. Next time you’re not sure what to eat, try adding sweet potatoes to your meal!

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