It's time to talk about sweet potato health benefits... Would you believe me if I told you that over the last 775 days......I've probably eaten 760 sweet potatoes?
Now that is just a guess.....but I bet I am pretty dang close to being correct.
I rarely miss a day....maybe if traveling (which is also rare because I travel with them raw)....or were sick with the flu that kept me from eating at all. Those randomly shaped tubers (yep...they are truly tubers) with their sunset-colored skin.....have been my lifeline since adopting a clean eating lifestyle. Read more of my story HERE.
Today I'd like to talk about the sweet potato health benefits and answer two questions that I am often asked:
1. What is the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?
2. Are sweet potatoes better for you than russet potatoes?
What the difference between sweet potatoes and yams? Aren't they the same thing??
Sweet potatoes and yams are NOT the same!
The truth is....what you've been calling a yam is probably just a sweet potato. An actual yam....is brown....a very pale brown with skin that resembles tree bark.....and a flesh that is very earthy and similar to yucca.
It is NOT sweet....and is usually only found in international type stores.
Sweet potatoes are widely available and usually have a very reddish-orange skin. However, there are many different types and they vary in colors from light brown to purple to yellow to orange! All sweet potatoes are relatively sweet.
Sweet potatoes vs white potatoes: Which has the most health benefits??
Both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are good for you.
Regular potatoes have a bad reputation because honestly....they are usually consumed in the form of a chip...a french fry....casserole or a loaded baked potato!
They do have benefits if prepared properly.
With the skin.....a white potato has about 170 calories, 35 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein.
Sweet potatoes have 100 calories, 24 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein.
The REAL difference between these two foods is the micronutrients!
The sweet potato delivers a whopping 22,000 IU of Vitamin A vs. the white potato is only 14 IU.
That is an unbelievable difference....and you can thank the betacarotene that is evident in its skin color....also providing an ample amount of antioxidants. This is 400% of your daily requirement of Vitamin A.....so I think I'm covered for life in that department!
In addition...the sweet potato provides Vitamin C, B6, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Manganese.
The white potato provides Vitamin C, B6, Potassium, Magnesium, and Iron.
So I'll let you be the judge.....although the evidence seems pretty clear to me.
Sweet potatoes are my food hero!
And speaking of foods I love...have you heard about the Kabocha squash?? I write all about my favorite squash and how I prepare it HERE...
Check out My Honest 7-Day AIP Meal Plan for several sweet potato recipe ideas...
PS.....Ok y'all.....sweet potato fries cooked up like a regular fry....are NOT a healthier option. Sorry to burst your bubble. They may have more Vitamin A....but the fat content overrides any nutritional gain!
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See you next week!
XOXO,
Tracey
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