
“They also have potassium and magnesium, two electrolytes lost in sweat,” says Elizabeth Shaw, dietitian and owner of. Foods that have complex carbs break down slowly to provide long-lasting energy for exercise. Sweet potatoes are a great pre-workout snackĬarbohydrates are the main fuel source for exercise, and sweet potatoes contain a long string of sugar molecules, known as complex carbs. Some fun facts about sweet potatoesīeyond the nutrition facts and health benefits, these little known facts about sweet potatoes are just a few more reasons to add them to your plate. Pair your sweet potato with protein and fat to make it a filling meal. Since sweet potatoes are rich in carbs and low in protein, eating a sweet potato alone may only satisfy your hunger for a short period of time. But don’t worry, the amount of sweet potatoes you would have to eat in a day to develop carotenemia is probably more than your stomach can handle.
Orange calories skin#
Have you ever heard that eating too much orange foods can turn your skin orange? It’s a condition called carotenemia, but it’s rare and most prevalent in children. Are there drawbacks to eating sweet potatoes? Not only does fiber promote digestive health and regularity, it also binds to cholesterol and removes it from body. In addition, the fiber in sweet potatoes contributes to overall heart health. These mechanisms work together to lower blood pressure. Potassium works twofold for the heart it dilates blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood, and it also helps excrete sodium from the body. Research suggests that a potassium deficiency may elevate blood pressure, and conversely, eating enough potassium may reduce blood pressure. Sweet potatoes are also rich in potassium, a mineral that is tied to blood pressure. Keep in mind that vitamin A is fat soluble, so pair sweet potatoes with a healthy fat, like olive oil or avocado, to reap all the eye-boosting benefits. Luckily, one medium sweet potato provides all the vitamin A you need in a day. This nutrient is most known for its contribution to eye health.Īs a matter of fact, having enough vitamin A in the diet reduces the risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the United States.

They actually contain a precursor to the vitamin, called beta carotene, which the body coverts to vitamin A after eating. Sweet potatoes are known for their vitamin A content. One medium sweet potato has a ton of nutrients, including:

Here are some of the top reasons to add more sweet potatoes to your diet and simple ways to enjoy this delicious tuber. Not to mention that sweet potatoes are tasty and versatile - you can stuff, bake, roast, mash or even microwave them.Īnd with inflation on the rise, you’ll be happy to hear that sweet potatoes are still some of the least expensive items in the produce aisle. This bright orange spud is a well-rounded nutritional powerhouse with plenty of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are a super starch that should absolutely be on your grocery list.
