Sweet potatoes are a staple vegetable in New Zealand. They are versatile in recipes, packed with essential vitamins and minerals and provide an abundance of antioxidants that are beneficial for our health. Sweet potatoes are a great choice for regular consumption due to the numerous health benefits they provide.
Nutrition Facts of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent addition to any meal. They are also packed with antioxidants, which are beneficial for optimal health. Here are the nutritional facts of sweet potatoes:
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 0.2 grams
- Total Carbohydrate: 21 grams
- Dietary Fibre: 2.6 grams
- Protein: 1.8 grams
- Vitamin A: 140-200% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 60% Daily Value
- Vitamin B6: 10-20% Daily Value
- Potassium: 10-20% Daily Value
- Manganese: 10-20% Daily Value
Sweet potatoes are considered a complete food, as they contain all of the main vitamins and minerals that our bodies need for optimal health. They are also naturally low in calories, meaning they are a great choice for weight management.
Antioxidant Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial for protecting our bodies from the damaging effects of free radicals and environmental pollutants. These antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation and improve the body’s ability to fight off diseases.
The antioxidants found in sweet potatoes include vitamins C, A, E, and B6, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Vitamin A is especially beneficial for healthy vision, while vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and protect against certain viruses and bacteria.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes provide numerous health benefits. Here are just a few of the ways sweet potatoes can benefit our health:
- Promote Digestive Health: Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fibre, which can help to keep the digestive system running smoothly and reduce the risk of constipation.
- Support Immune System: The antioxidants found in sweet potatoes help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, reducing the risk of infections and diseases.
- Improve Vision: Vitamin A helps to protect the eyes from free radical damage, which can help to improve vision.
- Weight Loss: Sweet potatoes are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a great choice for weight loss.
- Heart Health: The antioxidants found in sweet potatoes can help to reduce inflammation, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious, low-calorie and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you roast them, bake them, mash them, or even use them in smoothies, they make a great addition to any meal.
