Take a look at these fun facts about sweet potatoes and their nutrition and learn what super-food this yummy root is!
1. Just to clear things up…
They’re not the same thing as yams, okay?
2. Know how to store them properly?
Sweet potatoes don’t need to go in the fridge. In fact, they last longer when left in a dry place at room temperature.
3. You can even drink a sweet potato!
Add healthy fats like almond butter to create an energizing smoothie.
4. They are crammed full of good stuff.
They’re a rich source of beta-carotene.
5. They’re vitamin-rich.
Sweet potatoes also love to give your body loads of Vitamin A to improve your vision.
And that’s before we’ve even got to the iron that gives you energy, the calcium that strengthens your bones, or the fibre that helps your digestive system function at the top of its game!
6. They are really hardy, too.
Sweet potatoes are less likely to suffer toxic contamination than most other veggies.
7. Back to yams…
The jewel yam variety accounts for more than 75% of all sweet potatoes that are eaten.
8. Some sweet potatoes are really sweet…
Kotobuki is so sweet many people compare it to sugary sweets and candy.
But if that’s what you want, stay away from the Boniato variety as it’s almost savoury!
9. It’s not just the potatoes that taste good.
The leaves are also delicious and taste much like spinach.
10. Try chickpeas, too!
Combining sweet potatoes with chickpeas gives your body the optimal chance of achieving digestive health.
11. Sweet potatoes come in a spectrum of colours.
The most common sweet potato colour is orange but other varieties include purple, red, pink, yellow, and white.
FAQs about Sweet Potatoes
Are sweet potatoes bad for you?
Not necessarily - however, too many of them can cause vitamin A toxicity.
Do sweet potatoes release sugar?
Yes, sweet potatoes can and do release sugar into your bloodstream, albeit very slowly.
Is sweet potato suitable for diabetics?
Yes - just make sure to plan ahead in your diet as much as you would with other foods.
Do you know any interesting facts about sweet potatoes? Share them in the comments below!