Fruits & Vegetables

20 Amazing Facts About Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are starchy root vegetables that are widely grown and consumed globally. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are considered to be a healthy addition to a balanced diet. Sweet potatoes come in various shapes and colors, ranging from orange to purple, and have a sweet, nutty flavor. They are versatile and can be baked, roasted, mashed, or added to stews and soups. In addition to their delicious taste, sweet potatoes have numerous health benefits. They are low in fat and calories and contain antioxidants that protect against cellular damage. They are also a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy, and are high in dietary fiber, which can promote digestive health.

  1. Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable native to South America and belong to the morning glory family.
  2. They are a rich source of vitamins, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and B vitamins.
  3. Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene, which provides many health benefits.
  4. They are low in fat, calories, and sodium, making them a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
  5. China is the biggest producer as well as consumer of this useful vegetable.
  6. The Netherlands is the biggest importer of sweet potatoes.
  7. There are over 400 varieties of sweet potatoes, with different colors, flavors, and textures, providing a diverse range of options for cooking and eating.
  8. On March 8, 2004, Manuel Pérez Pérez (Spain) grew the world’s heaviest sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), which weighed 37 kg (81 lb 9 oz).
  9. Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which can promote digestive health and help regulate blood sugar levels.
  10. Sweet potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy for the body.
  11. They are gluten-free and vegan-friendly food and can be incorporated into many recipes as a nutritious alternative to traditional starchy foods.
  12. Sweet potatoes are a staple food in many countries, particularly in Africa, and are often used in traditional dishes such as stews and soups.
  13. Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be cooked in various ways, including baking, roasting, boiling, or grilling.
  14. Sweet potatoes have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial for heart health and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
  15. Sweet potatoes are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
  16. The bright orange flesh of sweet potatoes is due to their high beta-carotene content, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body.
  17. Sweet potatoes have been used in traditional medicine for their health benefits and are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
  18. Sweet potatoes can be stored for several months if kept in a cool, dark place, making them a readily available food source.
  19. In addition to their use as a food, sweet potatoes are also grown for their leaves and stems, which are edible and considered a nutritious food in some cultures.
  20. Sweet potatoes are a sustainable crop, as they require less water and pesticides compared to other staple crops such as wheat and corn.

Nutrition Facts of Sweet Potatoes

Here are the nutritional profile of 200g baked fresh Sweet Potatoes.

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fat: 0.3g
  • Fiber: 6.6 g
  • Vitamin A: 213% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 44% of the DV
  • Manganeses: 43% of the DV
  • Copper: 36% of the DV
  • Pantothenic acid: 35% of the DV
  • Vitamin B6: 34% of the DV
  • Potassium: 20% of the DV
  • Niacin: 19% of the DV

 References

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