Sweet potatoes contain a myriad of health benefits that their normal potato friends do not. Don’t worry, normal potatoes, we still love you; it’s just that sweet potatoes can help prevent diseases and other huge things like that. Did you read about how sweet potatoes can help relieve stress? Well, check out these 7 other health benefits of these delish veggies:
Antioxidants: Sweet potatoes are filled with vitamins A and C, which are key to the prevention of several different types of cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The sweet potato’s anti-inflammatory powers come from the vitamin C, vitamin B6, beta carotene, and manganese that it contains. The consumption of sweet potatoes can lower both internal and external inflammation.
Arthritis Prevention: Sweet potatoes can prevent chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, thanks to the amount of the antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin that they contain. Studies show that people who consume foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin are 50% less likely to develop arthritis than those who don’t.
Blood Sugar: Both the carotenoids and soluble fiber in sweet potatoes help stabilize blood sugar and help the body respond better to insulin.
Stomach Ulcers: The B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, beta-carotene, and calcium in sweet potatoes can help heal stomach ulcers. They can also reduce ulcer pain and are soothing to the stomach in general.
Emphysema Prevention: Emphysema and other lung diseases are often brought on by a deficiency in vitamin A associated with smoking. Sweet potatoes help prevent these diseases because they provide over 90% of the body’s vitamin A needs.
Digestive Health: Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive tract. Research shows that they can also help cleanse the body of heavy metals like mercury.
Image [via]
