7 Potential Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

When you think of sweet potatoes, you might picture any one of several types. From the sunset-hued garnet to the pleasantly purple Okinawa, this tuber in the morning glory family encompasses hundreds of varieties that differ in color and flavor. (Just don’t confuse them with yams, which have brown, shaggy skin, pale flesh, and a less sweet taste.)

With a long history — more than 5,000 years, according to the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse — sweet potatoes have made a culinary impression worldwide. They’re a staple of African, Caribbean, and Pacific Island cuisine. And while they may once have been relegated to overly sweet Thanksgiving casseroles in the United States, these days you can find sweet potatoes at the center of all sorts of delicious dishes, including curries, tacos, salads, and french fries.

However you prepare them, you’ll get a tasty, colorful result — and plenty of nutrition as well. Beneath their earthy jackets lie numerous nutrients, including high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and manganese. Not surprisingly, these translate to multiple potential health benefits. Here are seven to consider.

1. Sweet Potatoes Help Stabilize Blood Sugar

Sweet tend to get good press compared to their white potato counterparts — potatoes and, for some health issues, the hype may be justified. One such instance: their effects on blood sugar.

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