Introduction
Sweet potatoes, or shakarkandi, are truly one of nature’s perfect foods! The starchy and sweet-tasting food is appealing to the eyes and nutritionally rich. Unlike white potatoes, they are not branded as fattening. Studies show that they are far more nutritious than ordinary potatoes. They’re low in calories, high in fibre, great for carbohydrate-sensitive people, and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, they pack in a lot of Vitamin C, dietary fibre, and essential minerals especially potassium and manganese.
In this post, let’s learn some health benefits of sweet potatoes in winter.
Reasons Why You Must Add Sweet Potatoes in Your Winter Diet
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes in Winter # 1: It Supports Respiratory Health During Winters
It’s that time of the year when we are more susceptible to respiratory problems, such as asthma, cold, cough, and throat infections. So, we need to eat nutritious food in order to keep our bodies warm and healthy. As a result, including sweet potatoes in your winter diet can help keep infections at bay. Consumption of sweet potatoes aids in the reduction of inflammation in asthmatic patients.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes in Winter # 2: It Promotes Skin Health During Winters
The antioxidants that are abundantly present in sweet potatoes are very advantageous for the skin. They protect the skin from the harmful radiations present in sun rays and also improve the texture of the skin. Also, sweet potatoes are an important source of beta-carotene, which benefits skin by fighting the free radicals that cause skin ageing. In fact, a single sweet potato contains more than your day’s requirement of beta-carotene and delivers nearly all your daily vitamin C requirements. A serving of sweet potato promotes soft, clear and supple skin, so you should make it a part of your winter diet.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes in Winter # 3: They Support Digestive Health
Cold temperatures may not be the best time for optimum digestive health. Winters can lead to a sudden dip in fluid intake. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fibre, especially when you eat this sweet-tasting vegetable alongwith its skin. Fibre is important for your digestive health. It helps in preventing constipation and serious diseases, such as colon cancer. Studies have found that one medium sweet potato has six grams of dietary fibre. They also contain resistant starch, a type of starch that plays a vital role in feeding your body’s ‘good’ bacteria.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes in Winter # 4: They Boost Immunity
Sweet potatoes can be a great way to boost immunity during the winter season. Research has confirmed that regular consumption of sweet potato can help strengthen the immune system and develop resistance to infections. This is because sweet potatoes are loaded with Vitamin D, which is essential during the cold months to improve immunity against diseases, germs and bacteria. Additionally, the rich content of beta-carotene in sweet potatoes helps support your immune function.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes in Winter # 5: They Help in Weight Management
Studies have shown that intake of sweet potatoes is associated with weight loss. Hormonal changes in response to the cold-weather season, increased calorie-intake, and lack of physical activity often leads to winter weight gain. Sweet potatoes are full of dietary fibre that can reduce the level of hunger hormones, thus preventing overeating and enhancing satiety.
Top ways to enjoy sweet potatoes
Here are a few simple suggestions to prepare sweet potatoes:
· A crispy snack
· As salad
· As soft sweet potato pancakes
· By grilling them and add lemon and black salt
· As sweet potato fries
· By roasting cooked sweet potato in little ghee
Final Thoughts
We have detailed the health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes in Winters. So, go ahead and make the most of this incredible winter veggie and up your nutritional profile by healthfully incorporating sweet potatoes into your everyday meals, snacks, and treats.
