Sweet Potatoes

Although the sweet potato may be a part of your holiday meal tradition, be sure to add this naturally sweet veggie to your meals throughout the year.  This is one of the most nutritious vegetables around, and can be found in your local grocery store all year long.

Sweet potatoes are high in antioxidants.  Antioxidants work to eliminate the free radicals in our system which damages our cells.  Cell damage in our bodies is related to most auto-immune, anti-inflammatory, cancer, and heart related diseases.

This root vegetable is an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Fiber, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Iron which can explain its healing properties.

  There are about 400 different varieties of sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes are one of the oldest vegetables known to man, and are native to Central America.  They have been consumed since prehistoric times, and have been discovered in Peruvian caves dating back 10,000 years.

 Be sure to choose potatoes without bruises, soft spots, and cracks.  Sweet potatoes should be firm, and stored in a cool, dark place where they can remain fresh up to 10 days.  Uncooked sweet potatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Nutritious Tigers Article Archive

HOME