What is sweet potato and what are its nutritional values?

Sweet potato is also known as sweet potato, sweet potato, white potato, and sweet potato. Sichuan people call it red potato. It is an annual plant of the Convolvulaceae family and is a healthy food that can be used as both medicine and food. Sweet potatoes are rich in sugar, protein, cellulose and various vitamins. So what are the benefits of sweet potatoes?

1. Relax the intestines and promote bowel movements

After sweet potatoes are steamed and cooked, part of the starch will change, which can increase the dietary fiber by about 40% compared to raw food. It can effectively stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promote defecation. When people cut sweet potatoes, they see a white liquid oozing out from under the sweet potato skin. This liquid contains mirabilis glycoside, which can be used to treat habitual constipation.

2. Nourishing the Blood and Strengthening the Middle Qi

Sweet potatoes have very high nutritional value. They contain large amounts of sugar, protein, fat, and various vitamins and minerals. They are easily digested and absorbed by the human body, preventing and treating malnutrition. They can also replenish the middle and invigorate the qi. Regular consumption is very helpful for diseases such as deficiency of the middle-jiao spleen and stomach, and malnutrition in children.

3. Anti-cancer

Sweet potatoes contain an anti-cancer substance that can effectively prevent and treat colon cancer and breast cancer. In addition, sweet potatoes can eliminate reactive oxygen species, which is one of the main causes of cancer. Therefore, the effect of sweet potatoes in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells is very obvious.

4. Enhance immune function

Sweet potatoes contain a large amount of mucus protein, which can prevent the atrophy of liver and kidney connective tissue, improve body immunity, and prevent the occurrence of collagen diseases. The minerals contained in sweet potatoes play a very important role in maintaining and regulating human body functions. The calcium and magnesium it contains can also prevent osteoporosis. Therefore, eating sweet potatoes in moderation is of great help to your health.

5. Anti-aging and prevent arteriosclerosis

The anti-aging and anti-atherosclerosis effects of sweet potatoes are mainly due to the water-removing active oxygen function of sweet potatoes. The mucus protein contained in sweet potatoes can maintain the elasticity of blood vessel walls and prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis. The chlorogenic acid contained in sweet potatoes can effectively inhibit the production of melanin and prevent the appearance of freckles and age spots. Sweet potatoes can also inhibit skin aging, maintain skin elasticity, and slow down the body's aging process.

6. Lose weight

Nutrition experts say that sweet potatoes are not only nutritionally balanced, but also have little-known effects in preventing sub-health, losing weight, bodybuilding and anti-cancer. Since sweet potatoes contain a lot of starch, eating them can easily make people feel full, thereby reducing food intake and achieving the effect of losing weight.