Specific Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes h
Although they are soft, creamy and sweet
enough to be used in some desserts, sweet potatoes offer a surprisingly
huge range of nutritional benefits, many of which have specific health
benefits.
1. Great for Heart Health
The high levels of vitamin B6 and potassium found in sweet potatoes
provide excellent benefits for your heart. B6 vitamins break down
homocysteine, a substance which can harden blood vessels and block
arteries. Potassium, meanwhile, helps balance fluid and blood pressure
levels, while providing your body's cells with electrolytes that help
regulate your heart beat.
2. Great Source of Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes contain a huge amount of beta-carotene, a carotenoid that
gives certain vegetables their orange color. The body can turn
carotenoids into vitamin A, which is linked to cancer prevention, the
maintenance of good vision, and also provides a number of anti-ageing
benefits. Indeed, one large sweet potato is capable of providing 100% of
your recommended daily intake of vitamin A according to the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration.
3.Great for Blood Sugar Levels
Although they are sweet tasting, sweet potatoes are low on the glycemic
index, which means they are a very good blood sugar regulator. Many
starchy foods, including white potatoes, encourage blood sugar levels to
spike and rise rapidly, but sweet potatoes release sugar into the
bloodstream much more slowly. This makes them a great choice for
diabetics, who can safely consume the carbohydrates without associated
problems.
4. Great for Skin
Care
Sweet potatoes can work to improve the appearance of your skin from both
inside and outside your body. The high levels of vitamin C and E
contained within sweet potatoes helps boost the body's defenses against
the sun's harmful UV rays and encourages the production of collagen,
which keeps the skin strong and supple. 
But it isn't only the consumption of sweet potatoes that can benefit
your skin. If you boil them, don't throw away the water afterwards. Take
a cup and use your fingers to gently apply the water to your face. This
can help clean your pores, remove impurities from the skin and even
reduce dark circles around your eyes.
5. Great for Digestion
Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, while still being
low in calorie content. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive tract,
helping your body pass toxins and waste products out quickly and
efficiently, while guarding against constipation and bloatedness.
6. Great for Emphysema Prevention
Emphysema is a condition that gradually damages the air sacs in the
lungs, leaving sufferers short of breath. It is often associated with
smokers, or people exposed to smoking on a regular basis. Smoking
reduces levels of vitamin A, which helps regenerate the cells in the
lungs. The beta-carotene contained within sweet potatoes encourages the
production of vitamin A and helps heal the respiratory system.
7. Great Source of Vitamins and Minerals
Sweet potatoes contain a significant amount of vitamins C, E, B5, B6,
riboflavin and copper. These nutrients offer a range of benefits for
your immune system, red blood cell production, sleep patterns, mood,
wound repair, disease prevention, muscle weakness and pain.
8. Great for Stress Relief
Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of magnesium, often considered to be
one of the best minerals for promoting relaxation, calmness and
improved mood. As we already know, they are also rich in potassium,
which helps regulate your heart beat when you are anxious or stressed.