Sweet potatoes contain large amounts of starch, fiber (both cellulose and pectin), minerals, potassium and vitamins. They are more nutritious than regular potatoes, and contain more beta-carotene and ascorbic acid than carrots and citrus, respectively. This food’s sweetness comes from glucose, fructose and sucrose.
Studies show that the extract of this root is beneficial for inflammation and obesity. Purple sweet potatoes also have flavonoids, meaning that their antioxidants help wounds to heal. Purple sweet potatoes also trigger the capacity to reduce colo-rectal carcinogens.
The leaves and roots of sweet potatoes also help people suffering from anemia, leukemia, diabetes, hemorrhages or high blood pressure because they are high in vitamins and carotenes. In some cases, mothers that eat this food can produce more breastmilk.
Additionally, patients with type II diabetes will do well to include this Peruvian superfood in their diet because of its valuable sugar content. Sweet potato extract can help control blood sugar levels, particularly adiponectin, a hormone triggered by fat cells that regulates how the body metabolizes insulin.