Sweet potatoes are soft, tender, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked. It is a tuber filled with some robust flavors that can add value to any dish that one wants to prepare. From sweet potato fries to sweet potato pies, each one of these has something special to offer and leaves people drooling from the first bite onwards.
Due to its heavenly taste and texture, some people might assume that it's only composed of starch and unhealthy carbohydrates. However, contrary to this, sweet potatoes are enriched with some of the best health benefits that can contribute to one’s overall welfare. Keep reading this article if you want to uncover some secrets about sweet potatoes.
Sweet potato can be one of the best ingredients to add to your child's diet. As kids transition into teenagers, it's the perfect time to introduce healthy sources of carbohydrates and fats to boost their energy levels. Here's how eating sweet potatoes can help keep your teen healthy.
As per antioxidants published in 2022, sweet potatoes are one of the best energy-giving foods. They are enriched with the appropriate amount of carbohydrates needed for a child to sustain themselves throughout the day. Additionally, they are rich in other essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fats, which are also important for the body. The combination of all these nutrients makes it one of the best sources of instant energy.
As per antioxidants published in 2022, sweet potatoes are an impeccable source of fiber, making them helpful for digestion. If your child experiences problems such as indigestion, stomach ache, constipation, and more, you can try feeding them sweet potatoes more frequently. The high amount of fiber is not just good for digestive health, but also keeps the bowel movements regular. Moreover, it may also support the production of microbiomes and improve the process of food breakdown in the body of a child.
According to Taylor & Francis, sweet potatoes can decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems by stabilizing cholesterol levels and keeping blood sugar levels in check. Additionally, multiple studies have found a direct connection between consuming a fiber-rich diet and a lower risk of heart disease. As sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, they make them even better for your child's cardiovascular health.
As per Food & Research published in 2015, being high in beta carotene and anthocyanins, sweet potatoes are also highly beneficial for your child's eye health. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of vitamin A and antioxidants, which is why they have a distinct orange hue. Moreover, they are also a significant source of lutein and zeaxanthin, all of which can support your child's vision.
According to BioMed Research International published in 2009, sweet potatoes can help in improving cognitive performance and memory retention because of the high amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The significant amount of magnesium present in sweet potatoes can lower the risk of anxiety and depression. Moreover, it may also help in emotional regulation, controlling blood sugar levels, and nerve function, all of which may enhance a child's mood.
As per ResearchGate, being rich in vitamin B6 makes sweet potatoes a sleep-inducing food. It can also help in serotonin production, neurotransmitter function, and provide the body with potassium and magnesium. All these factors in combination can help a child sleep better at night. Regular consumption of sweet potatoes may also solve the problem of insomnia among kids. Moreover, eating sweet potatoes may boost melatonin production in the body.
Sweet potatoes can be consumed as an after-workout food for muscle relaxation, strengthening, and getting the energy back. As per molecules published in 2021, sweet potatoes may also regulate blood sugar levels in the body and have anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, if your child suffers from soreness or pain in the muscles after a workout, you may serve them sweet potatoes to get that instant energy.
These are some of the top benefits of eating a sweet potato regularly. Sweet potatoes are packed with some essential nutrients that can help your child stay healthy and fit. Moreover, sweet potatoes are quite easy to cook at home and delicious, which makes them an even more versatile option.