More little-known uses of sweet potatoes and potatoes

Sweet potatoes and potatoes both provide antioxidants. However, nutritionally, sweet potatoes contain more vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, copper, and manganese, according to VeryWell Health (USA).

Sweet potatoes help reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the health benefits of sweet potatoes include:

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Reduced risk of cancer : Sweet potatoes get their orange color from beta-carotene - a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, which helps protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.

Supports immune and eye health : Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, which plays an important role in eye health, immune function, and reproductive health.

Improve skin health : Sweet potatoes also contain vitamin C, which is essential for the immune system. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and is needed for the production of collagen, a protein essential for wound healing and skin health.

Lower blood pressure : Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for most body functions, including muscle contraction, nerve function, and heart health. Increasing your potassium intake from eating sweet potatoes can help lower your blood pressure if you have high blood pressure.

Aids in weight control : Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, which supports bowel function, blood sugar control, and heart health. Fiber also helps you feel fuller for longer, which helps with weight control.

Improve digestive health : Sweet potatoes contain resistant starch – a type of starch that is broken down in the large intestine and fermented by beneficial bacteria. This produces short-chain fatty acids, which help improve digestive health and blood sugar control.

Many studies also show that consuming more sweet potatoes helps improve constipation, liver function and iron absorption.

Potatoes help fight viruses

Although it does not contain some of the "dominant" nutrients like sweet potatoes, potatoes also have many health benefits.

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Good source of nutrients : Potatoes are rich in potassium, vitamin C and fiber. They also provide beneficial antioxidant compounds such as chlorogenic acid, which has health-promoting properties.

Fights viruses : Potatoes are high in vitamin B6, a nutrient needed to convert food into energy. This vitamin helps create red blood cells and produce antibodies (proteins that protect against viruses and other diseases).

Improve gut health : Like sweet potatoes, potatoes also contain resistant starch, which helps keep you full longer, regulates blood sugar levels, and improves gut health.