Sweet potato is a versatile vegetable. (Yes, they are vegetables. They’re starchy vegetables, but they’re still vegetables.) They’re great in pies and garnishes, and like regular potatoes, they can be cooked in a myriad of ways. Try it fried or baked, mashed or hashed. Most of the time it’s delicious. But what nutritional value do they provide? Like many foods, it depends on how it’s cooked.
To find out everything you need to know about sweet potatoes, we spoke with Barbara Olendski, RD, MPH, LDN, Associate Professor of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at Massachusetts Chan College of Medicine.
Are Sweet Potatoes a “Good” Carb or a “Bad” Carb?
Sweet potatoes contain “good” carbohydrates called “complex carbohydrates.” Complex carbohydrates are considered healthier than simple carbohydrates. It takes longer to digest and produces more sustained energy. Also, unlike monosaccharides, the blood sugar level rises rapidly, and although energy is temporarily obtained, it does not leave a feeling of fatigue in a short period of time.
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What nutritional value does sweet potato have?
Olentski says the biggest thing sweet potatoes bring to the table are carotenoids, which help with eye health.
She also explains that there are things you can do to maximize the health benefits of sweet potatoes. glucose in the body. “
Olentski analyzes nutrition for us. “One medium sweet potato with Newman’s Balsamic Vinaigrette (1 tablespoon) has 189 calories, 6 g fat, 32 g carbs, 3 g protein, 5 g fiber, plus 1 mg iron. Not bad, right?”
Are sweet potatoes healthier than regular potatoes?
“Yes,” says Olentski. “Better than white potatoes,” she explains. That’s because it’s low in blood sugar, high in fiber, and rich in carotenoids that are good for the eyes and inflammation.
For even more nutritional value, Olendzki offers tips. “Leave the skin on! It’s so delicious and it’s packed with nutrients and fiber,” she emphasizes.
Are sweet potatoes healthy for weight loss?
As with most diets, it depends on other foods, activity levels, and underlying health conditions. People with diabetes may want to be careful with sweet potatoes as they are high in carbohydrates.
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Depending on how the sweet potato is cooked, frying can add harmful fats. Same with adding lots of butter or marshmallows. However, as part of a balanced diet, sweet potatoes contain important vitamins and “good” types of carbohydrates.
