16 Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Health, Can Prevent Diabetes - Premature Aging

Kapanlagi.com - Sweet potatoes become one of the types of tubers that are widely consumed by the Indonesian people. By the people, sweet potatoes are often boiled and served as snacks. Its soft texture and sweet taste make boiled sweet potatoes very popular. Not only boiled, sweet potatoes are also often processed into other types of food, such as compote and chips. Apart from being delicious, it turns out that sweet potatoes have quite a lot of benefits for health.

In various regions in Papua and Maluku, sweet potatoes become a staple food substitute for rice. It's understandable, because consuming sweet potatoes will make the stomach feel full. In addition, sweet potatoes also contain nutrients that are good for the body's health. Because of its nutritional content, sweet potatoes are believed to be beneficial in preventing various diseases.

For more details, here are some reviews about the benefits of sweet potatoes for health that are summarized from various sources.

1. Source of Antioxidants

Sweet potatoes have high levels of vitamin A and C. These two vitamins can function as antioxidants for the body. As we know, antioxidants in the body play a role in protecting cells and counteracting free radicals. However, as we know, cell damage and exposure to free radicals can be one of the triggers for diseases.

2. Boosting Immunity

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In line with its benefits as a source of antioxidants, regular consumption of sweet potatoes is believed to boost immunity. According to healthline.com, sweet potatoes, especially those with orange flesh, are also rich in beta-carotene. This is what makes the vitamin A content in sweet potatoes relatively high, so it can act as an antioxidant and boost immunity.

3. Suitable for Consumption during Diet

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If you plan to run a diet program, you can make sweet potatoes as one of the menu choices. Sweet potatoes become one of the main staple foods to replace rice that is suitable to be consumed during a diet. Because, in sweet potatoes, there is resistant starch that can make you feel fuller for longer.

In addition, sweet potatoes also contain good fiber for digestion. This will prevent you from the risk of digestive disorders that often occur during a diet.

4. Digestive Health

As mentioned earlier, sweet potatoes contain fiber that is very beneficial for digestion. With sufficient fiber intake, the digestive system will work smoothly and normally. In addition, the vitamin A content in sweet potatoes will also be beneficial for intestinal health. Because, as reported from healthline.com, vitamin A is needed by the intestines to improve the immune system and prevent inflammation.

5. Improving Eye Health

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It is common knowledge that vitamin A is very good for eye health. This also applies to the vitamin A content in sweet potatoes. The high content of vitamin A and beta-carotene is believed to improve eye health, keeping it away from vision problems such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and cataracts.

6. Stabilizing Blood Pressure

Another benefit of sweet potatoes is that they can stabilize blood pressure. Especially, it is believed that high blood pressure can be lowered to normal levels by consuming sweet potatoes. This is because sweet potatoes contain potassium which is effective in overcoming excess sodium. As a result, blood pressure will return to normal.

However, to obtain this benefit, it is advisable to consume sweet potatoes with only a small amount of salt. This is because, as we know, salt contains sodium which can actually increase blood pressure in the body.

7. Preventing Heart Attacks

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In the long run, the benefits of sweet potatoes in stabilizing blood pressure will also have an impact on heart health. As we know, blood pressure greatly affects the rhythm of the heart. Therefore, consuming sweet potatoes regularly is believed to be effective in preventing heart attacks.

8. Preventing Premature Aging

Not only does it promote the health of internal organs, sweet potatoes are also beneficial for skin health. Who would have thought, sweet potatoes are actually effective in preventing premature aging. This ability is supported by the content of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which will support the reproduction process of skin cells. As a result, the skin will be firmer and protected from premature aging.

9. Improving Brain Health

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Sweet potatoes also contain a substance called choline. This substance is very beneficial for the function of nerve cells and the brain, thus improving memory. Not only that, regular consumption is also believed to prevent inflammation and cell damage in the brain.

10. Overcoming Respiratory Problems

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The next benefit of sweet potatoes is related to the respiratory system. According to liputan6.com, the content of vitamin C, iron, and other nutrients in sweet potatoes is useful for treating bronchitis. When consuming sweet potatoes, the body will feel warmer. As a result, the condition of bronchitis will gradually improve. 

11. Anti-inflammatory

Behind its sweet taste, sweet potatoes actually have anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are brought by the nutrients it contains, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and magnesium. With these nutrients, sweet potatoes are effective in treating various inflammations that occur inside and outside the body.

12. Treating Arthritis

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One type of inflammation that often occurs is arthritis or inflammation of the joints. Arthritis generally occurs in the age group above 40 years. However, it is possible for younger people to also experience this disease.

Fortunately, the anti-inflammatory properties in sweet potatoes can help treat arthritis. Moreover, sweet potatoes also contain nutrients such as beta-carotene, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B complex. With these contents and properties, sweet potatoes are effective in treating arthritis.

13. Good for Diabetes Patients

It is a well-known secret that diabetes patients should not consume arbitrary foods. Diabetes patients must maintain a proper diet and avoid certain types of foods that contain high sugar. Interestingly, despite having a sweet taste, sweet potatoes are still suitable for consumption by diabetes patients.

The contents of sweet potatoes are believed to regulate blood sugar levels and increase insulin production. This means that sweet potatoes can be a suitable menu choice for diabetes patients, both as a source of carbohydrates and as a healthy snack.

14. Maintain Body Fluid Balance

The high fiber content in sweet potatoes is not only good for digestion. In our bodies, fiber can function to retain water. As a result, the fluid balance in the body will be maintained. You will be protected from the risk of dehydration and other adverse effects of fluid deficiency.

15. Lower Cholesterol

Another benefit of sweet potatoes is that they can lower cholesterol. The nutritional content in sweet potatoes is believed to be able to overcome high levels of bad cholesterol or LDL. This is certainly important for health, because as we know, cholesterol can be a trigger for deadly diseases such as heart disease.

16. Prevent Stress and Anxiety Disorders

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When stressed, consuming sweet foods is often recommended to improve mood. It turns out that in addition to chocolate, sweet potatoes can also be an option to consume when stressed.

Sweet potatoes have a relatively high magnesium content. Not many people know that a lack of magnesium intake can trigger a bad mood. Therefore, consuming sweet potatoes will reduce the risk of experiencing stress. Conversely, when consuming sweet potatoes, a person can feel more relaxed and create a calm mood.

So those are some of the benefits of sweet potatoes for health. Are you now more interested in trying them?

(kpl/psp)