Sweet Potatoes are odd. They look a bit like, but are not quite, a Potato. Their botanical name is Ipomoea batatas; they are a tuberous root vegetable from the Convolvulaceae family and are related to the Morning Glory vine. They are only distantly related to the common potato, which comes from the Solanaceae family - the Nightshades.  Unlike the Nightshades Sweet Potatoes are generally very well tolerated and are unlikely to cause allergies.

Why add Sweet Potatoes to your diet?

Besides the fact that they taste great, they are also packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and are easy to prepare. Need a few more reasons?

1. Sweet Potatoes are Loaded with Vitamin C

   A one-cup serving of Sweet Potatoes contains 50% of your daily Vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C boosts your immune system which helps protects your body from disease, helps wounds heal, supports collagen growth, and protects cells against damage from free radicals.

2. Sweet Potatoes are high in Vitamin A

   One small Sweet Potato contains more than 500% of your daily Vitamin A requirements. These antioxidants help keep your immune system strong, promote eye health, prevent cancer, keep skin healthy and fight the free radicals that cause aging. If you suffer from Arthritis, Asthma or Gout adding Sweet Potatoes to your diet can help reduce the inflammation that causes pain.

3. Sweet Potatoes contain Magnesium

   Your body needs this mineral for healthy heart, muscle and nerve function. Magnesium also helps your body relax and de-stress.

4. Potassium is essential for a healthy heart and Sweet Potatoes have it

   Potassium helps regulate your cardiovascular system, is an essential electrolyte, promotes healthy kidney function and helps reduce muscle spasms.

5. Sweet Potatoes are rich in Iron

   An essential mineral for blood cell production and promotes healthy energy levels.

6. This tasty vegetable is full of fibre

   A small sweet potato contains 1 gram of healthy dietary fibre. Your digestive system will thank you adding them to your diet. Fibre is essential to keep your intestinal tract clean and running smoothly.

7. Diabetes friendly

   Sweet Potatoes are a complex carbohydrate and have a Low Glycemic Index of 17. This means that they take longer to break down into sugar. This slow break down of carbohydrates keeps your blood sugar level and assists those who choose a low carbohydrate diet for weight loss, Insulin Resistance or Type II Diabetes

How do you add more Sweet Potatoes to your diet?

Sweet Potatoes are versatile. They can be baked, steamed, grilled or mashed. Cook them the way you would cook a common potato. For something a little different see our recipe for Lemon Glazed Sweet Potatoes