Sweet potato 甘藷

The demand for sweet potatoes has grown steadily in recent years. They not only impress with their sweet, aromatic taste, but above all with their nutritional values. But how can something that tastes so good really be so healthy?

Sweet potatoes contain a high proportion of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which our body converts into vitamin A. Just 100 grams cover the daily requirement. This means that the antioxidant beta-carotene content is almost as high as that of a carrot. Our body needs vitamin A to strengthen our defenses and protect our cells. Vitamin A is absolutely essential for good eyesight and beautiful skin. Beta-carotene is best absorbed by our body when the sweet potato is eaten with healthy high-quality fats, which are rich in avocado, nuts or salmon. Sweet potatoes also contain a high proportion of vitamin E. Vitamin E protects our skin cells from ageing. The vitamin C content of the sweet potato is twice as high as that of a normal potato and is of great importance as an antioxidant. Vitamin C strengthens our immune system and ensures optimal absorption of nutrients.

Sweet potatoes contain large amounts of potassium. Potassium is responsible for the fluid balance in our body. By flushing out excess water, it regulates high blood pressure. In addition to potassium, it also contains calcium, iron and phosphorus. Calcium is a vital mineral that is particularly important for our bones and teeth. In addition to our bones and teeth, it also stabilizes our cell walls. It is also involved in the transmission of stimuli in our nervous system.
See: Kalium

The sweet potato tastes more like a carrot or pumpkin than a conventional potato. And yet it is often compared to the potato. Although the sweet potato contains significantly more sugar, our blood sugar levels are raised less quickly. This means that eating a sweet potato can often be even better for diabetics. The sweet potato contains four times as much manganese as the normal potato. Manganese is an essential mineral for our body, which plays a key role in building our connective tissue, cartilage and bones. The sweet potato also has the edge when it comes to fiber. Thanks to its high fiber content, sweet potatoes keep us full for longer. In addition, the whole sweet potato can be used. While the leaves of the normal potato are poisonous, the leaves of the sweet potato serve as a substitute for spinach. They can also be eaten raw.
All in all, the sweet potato impresses with its many vitamins and important micronutrients. It can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen and tastes good in all variations.