Sweet potato is a perennial of the family Convolvulaceae that is grown in the tropics for its tubers to white flesh or orange. Its subtle sweetness to taste, comes from the beta-carotene it contains. Low in calories, sweet potato has a high amount of antioxidants, potassium and minerals, and its consumption seems appropriate and beneficial for the entire body as well as for diabetics.
The sweet potato, close to the potato, one of the favorite vegetables of the French, yet has all other properties. Excellent source of potassium, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, calcium and manganese, this tuber also rich in beta-carotene, is an ultra nutritious food, abundant in carbohydrates but with a low one caloric intake and a moderate glycemic index, which only moderately raises post-consumer blood glucose levels. The starch it contains also provides long-lasting energy to the body.
Sweet potato, an enemy of diabetes?
Endowed with many antioxidants such as polyphenols, these would have a positive action on the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and at the same time on the prevention of the risks of contracting cardiovascular diseases.
The Cochrane review of several databases, specializing in Medicine and Health, has identified a study that includes randomized controlled trials and highlights a possible link between the benefits of sweet potatoes and the treatment of diabetes. In fact, an extract of a particular type of white-skinned sweet potato could help improve the regulation of blood sugar. It has been shown in vitro that this effect is due to stimulation of the immune response. These compounds would inhibit an enzyme that affects blood glucose elevation after digestion of carbohydrates. A certain protein, arabinogalactan, one of the proteins of the white sweet potato, partly participates in these antidiabetic properties.
Nevertheless, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, further studies are needed. Anyway, its consumption brings various benefits on the whole of the organism, here are ten which should encourage you to more to consume:
10 health benefits of sweet potato components
With its high natural sweetness, sweet potato helps regulate blood sugar levels while controlling insulin resistance.
The high fiber content of sweet potato acts as much on intestinal disorders as on the detoxification of the body.
Beta-carotene, the plant pigment found in sweet potato, is an antioxidant that acts as much on the prevention as on the treatment of joint inflammation such as arthritis or even gout.
Boiled sweet potato water soothes skin irritations and purifies the skin while cleansing the pores because of vitamin C and vitamin E excellent for beautiful skin.
Vitamin A from sweet potato, promotes the regeneration of the respiratory system especially in smokers especially when it is found in deficiency and may be the source of a decrease in immune defenses, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Vitamin C contained in sweet potato, and involved in several biochemical factors of the body, has a preponderant role in the proper functioning of the body.
Source of potassium, sweet potato, promotes the maintenance of cardiovascular health. This component is known to reduce the effects of sodium, which is responsible for increasing blood pressure while allowing the blood vessels to contract properly and thus promote good blood circulation.
Vitamin D, also found in sweet potatoes, is recognized for maintaining bone health, promoting immunity, and even preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The sweet potato also contains folic acid or vitamin B9 which plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells, the functioning of the nervous system and the immune system. It also produces amino acids necessary for growth and primordial cell turnover in growth, especially during the development of the fetus.
Sweet potato is an excellent ally in case of anemia because of its high iron content. This mineral is essential for the body to produce white and red blood cells.
Excellent in terms of taste and nutrition; In frying, puree, soup or even fries, you will understand, the sweet potato is good for health!
