What are facts about the sweet potato?

Answer 1

The sweet potato originated in the tropical climates of South America. They have been domesticated and cultivated here for at least 5,000 years. From here, it spread in concentric circles to the Caribbean, Peru, Hawaii, New Zealand, and then the world at large. Polynesia seemed to already be producing other strains of sweet potatoes before they were discovered by the west in South America, so there are other theories that it spread from here.

Beta carotene is the nutrient responsible for giving sweet potato's flesh its orange pigment. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body. A meager 200 gram serving of sweet potato yields 769%DV of your vitamin A! Vitamin A can help improve vision and decrease your risk of heart attack and lung cancer.

Sweet potatoes contain a number of antioxidants that help the body reduce inflammation. The antioxidants cyandin and peonidin are both present in the flesh of sweet potatoes, which help cleanse the digestive tract of heavy metals. Other antixoidants found in the sweet potato help your blood clot more effectively.

And, not without irony, the sweet potato can help regulate blood sugar levels. This is especially true of people with type 2 Diabetes.

Sweet potatoes also have a generous helping of fiber, which helps improve the digestive system.