6 surprising benefits of sweet potatoes –

It’s not news that sweet potatoes are a super complete food. This is a very versatile and nutritious root – and loved by people who train hard! -, with good amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese in each serving.

As if that were not enough, it also has anti-cancer properties, promotes the proper functioning of the immune system, the health of the gutbrain function and eye health.

Below, we list six very surprising benefits of sweet potatoes that will make you want to eat them right away!

1

highly nutritious

Sweet potatoes are loved by bodybuilders because they are rich in fiber (that is, they contribute to a feeling of satiety), vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B6, potassium and copper add to the high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese present in this food.

In addition, a study carried out by the Agricultural Research Center of Okinawa, Japan, proved that sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, fighting free radicals that contribute to premature aging.

two

They are good for the intestine

Sweet potatoes contain both types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. When digested by the organism, the root fibers remain in the intestine, generating a series of benefits for the organ (and for health as a whole).

Fiber-rich diets lower the risk of colorectal cancer and even improve bowel function, facilitating evacuation.

3

May prevent some types of cancer

Some studies, such as those from Taizhou Hospital, affiliated with Wenzhou Medical University, China, have shown that the presence of antioxidants in sweet potatoes can protect the body. against some types of cancerespecially those of the bladder, colon, stomach and breast.

4

Contributes to vision health

Sweet potatoes are very rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant responsible for turning some root varieties oranges. A 200g portion of this type of potato cooked with the skin on can provide the body with more than twice as much beta-carotene as an average adult needs per day.

This substance is converted in the body into vitamin A, and is used for maintaining the light-sensing receptors in the eye. Deficiency of this vitamin is a common concern in developing countries, for example, because it can lead to a type of blindness called xerophthalmia, or night blindness. And, yes, there are studies that say it is possible to prevent this condition with a diet rich in beta carotene.

Other studies have also shown that these beta-carotenes can protect eye cells from deterioration, which can improve overall eye health.

5

May improve brain function

A study carried out by the Medical University of Chengdu, China, proved that a diet rich in sweet potatoes helps protect the brain, reducing inflammation and preventing radical damage.

Other than that, it can also reduce inflammatory markers and improve spatial memory, probably due to its antioxidant properties. These studies, however, have not yet been done with humans, but it is known that a diet rich in antioxidants is connected to 13% less chance of mental decline and dementia.

6

Can improve the immune system

Once again, beta carotene comes into play here. Vitamin A is critical for a healthy immune system and to lower blood pressure levels. Other than that, it’s essential for keeping the body’s mucous membranes healthy, especially those found in the gut where nutrient absorption takes place.

Some studies have already proven that vitamin A deficiency increases inflammation of the intestine and reduces the ability of your immune system to respond correctly to potential threats.