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Health Benefits of Sweet Potato

September 20, 2008

Also known as yam, sweet potato is one of the oldest vegetables today, believed to be in consumption since centuries. Along with being a popular edible item, it also possesses numerous health benefits which are listed below.

Sweet potatoes are healthy for the body as they are rich in powerful antioxidants like Vitamin A and C which help in removing free radicals from the body so as to prevent the damage of cells. The presence of beta-carotene in yams also helps in the fight against free radicals thus preventing cancer. Being rich in dietary fiber, sweet potato lowers the risk of constipation, diverticulosis, and colon and rectal cancer. They have also been found to be helpful in minimizing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. This is because the consumption of sweet potatoes is associated with lowering of cholesterol, thereby preventing strokes and blood clots.

Sweet potatoes aid in the overall boosting up of health by helping in the strengthening of immune system. Being rich in beta-carotene, iron and phosphorus, they act as excellent immunity boosters. They are also beneficial for the treatment of asthma, congestion of nose, bronchi and lungs. Like the common potato, sweet potatoes have anti inflammatory properties and are thus effective in curing internal and external inflammations. In addition, sweet potatoes aid in digestion as they mainly contain starch. The fiber present in sweet potatoes helps retain water thereby helping in maintaining water balance in the body. Those who have their skins sticking out due to extremely thin body framework can be greatly benefited from sweet potatoes as they aid in weight gain due to their easy digestible nature and high content of sugar and starch. Moreover, they are also beneficial in helping people to quit addictions like smoking, drinking and even drug addiction. Thus yam is healthy vegetable whose consumption can aid in the overall health and well being of a person.


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