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For years the sweet potato has been associated with Thanksgiving. We usually find it on the Thanksgiving table, casserole style, with lots of marshmallows and other sweet toppings. However, without all the added stuff used during the holidays, sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest vegetables we have. In fact, a medium sized sweet potato contains more than your daily requirements of vitamin A, nearly a third the vitamin C you need, almost 15 percent of your daily dietary fiber intake and 10 percent of the necessary potassium. Here is the breakdown of why a sweet potato a day can help keep the Doctor away:
High in vitamin B6-helps reduce the chemical homocysteine in our bodies which has been linked with degenerative diseases, including the prevention of heart attacks.
High in vitamin C -is important to help ward off cold and flu viruses. In addition this crucial vitamin plays an important role in bone and tooth formation, digestion, and blood cell formation.
Contains Vitamin D- plays an important role in our energy levels, moods, and helps to build healthy bones, heart, nerves, skin, and teeth and it supports the thyroid gland.
Good source of Magnesium-this is the relaxation and anti-stress mineral. Magnesium is necessary for healthy artery, blood, bone, heart, muscle, and nerve function.
Good source of Potassium -one of the important electrolytes that help
regulate heartbeat and nerve signals.
High in Carotenoids- like beta carotene, which is the precursor to vitamin A in your body; They help strengthen our eyesight and boost our immunity to disease, they are powerful antioxidants that help ward off cancer and protect against the effects of aging.
High in Copper- assists in the production of collagen, which is responsible for keeping muscles healthy and skin taut.
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