Category:Sweet potato Nutrition

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Among many other vegetables that you may be fond of, the sweet potato is believed to be one of the most nutritious. Many people rely on this vegetable as a staple diet, and it indeed helps those who wish to control their weight. This is because of its low calorie content, which is why it is thought that the sweet potato makes a great whole meal on its own with absolutely nothing added to it. Adding any ingredient to sweet potatoes increases calorie level in a meal.

In order to provide you with a breakup of the nutrient level in a sweet potato, the following is interesting to note. In one medium sized baked potato, there are: 117 Calories, total fat 0.1 (g), Saturated fat 0 (g), Monounsaturated fat 0 (g), Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 (mg), Dietary fiber 3.4 (mg), Protein 2 (mg), Carbohydrate 28 (mg), Cholesterol 0 (mg), Sodium 11 (mg), Beta-carotene 15 (mg), Vitamin C 28 (mg), Vitamin B6 0.3 (mg), and Manganese 0.6 (mg).

In addition to the above sweet potatoes are said to be an excellent source of vitamin A. Baked sweet potatoes are known to contain known to contain an excess of 8,800 IU of Vitamin A. Sweet potatoes also contain considerable amounts of Potassium and vitamin C, B6, pantothetic acid, folic acid, riboflavin, and copper.

Sweet potatoes are also sold in a frozen form or as canned food. Canned potatoes are packed along with candied syrup and some may be packed in water. Sweet potatoes sold in cans usually contain lower levels of beta-carotene, vitamin B, and C, as opposed to fresh sweet potatoes. It is thought that beta-carotene content prevents chances of one developing cancer.

Aside from the minerals and vitamins mentioned above, sweet potatoes also have Manganese as well as Potassium. Sweet potatoes also contain Calcium and Thiamine. These are two minerals that are required on a daily basis along with a few others that are required in particular amounts. The sweet potato is a vegetable that contributes a significant amount to these daily requirements, making it a must in your everyday diet.

Aside from the nutrients that sweet potatoes provide in the form of vitamins and minerals, it is thought that they are an excellent source of dietary fiber. This is very important for the digestive system.

Though sweet potatoes are considered to be vegetables that are consumed on Thanksgiving, it needs to be remembered that this is a vegetable that should be eaten as part of one’s regular diet. Not only is it a great vegetable to consume as a source of nutrients, but it also has great taste and may be consumed in a number of ways. Another attribute to mention here is that sweet potatoes can be used to make a number of dishes. Also, sweet potatoes may be prepared and stored for cooking later, and indeed, their storage period is of several days, which means that it is a timesaver.