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Sweet potato

Botanically, the sweet potato belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family, whereas the white potato sits in the nightshade family. An 80g serving of sweet potato, or one medium sweet potato, counts towards one of your five-a-day, unlike white potato, which does not. Take a look at our infographic to find out what counts towards your five-a-day.

Top 5 health benefits of sweet potato1. However, more evidence from well-designed trials are needed in order to confirm these findings. When we eat beta-carotene, our body converts it to vitamin A, which is then used to form light detecting receptors in the eye. This is important for night vision and maintaining the health of the eye.

Nutrition Research found that purple sweet potatoes contain a specific group of antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which have also been shown to be of benefit to the eyes. This is because vitamin A is important for maintaining the integrity of the mucous membranes in the respiratory system and gut. Are sweet potatoes safe for everyone to eat? However, they do contain compounds called oxalates, which bind calcium and other minerals.

If you have existing kidney stones or are at high risk of developing them, you should minimise your consumption of high-oxalate foods. If in doubt or you have concerns regarding your diet and health condition, refer to your GP or registered dietician. How does cooking affect the nutritional value of sweet potato? Cooking sweet potato does reduce its beta-carotene levels, although boiling appears to have a higher retention compared to baking.

Read more:What are anthocyanins and why are purple foods so healthy? This article was last reviewed on 31 August 2021 by Kerry Torrens. Nicola Shubrook is a nutritional therapist and works with both private clients and the corporate sector. Over the last 15 years, she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications, including BBC Good Food. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

This website is published by Immediate Media Company Limited under licence from BBC Studios Distribution. This post may contain affiliate links. This easy Sweet Potato Casserole topped with pecans and marshmallows is a traditional side at our family Thanksgiving table. This comforting dish unites tenderly mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar and butter with a hint of cinnamon.

It is all crowned with pillowy soft marshmallows and toasty pecans to create a sweet and savory masterpiece you will fall in love with! Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows and toasty pecans throughout is a traditional side at our family Thanksgiving table. This Sweet Potato Casserole is fairly simple and traditional leaving the flavors of the sweet potatoes and pecans to really shine through. This almost dessert-like side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Easter or Christmas but simple enough to serve for Sunday supper too! Cooked sweet potatoes are also a good source of fibre. This easy Sweet Potato Casserole features buttery sweet potatoes, pecans and marshmallows. This is the perfect side dish for turkey dinner!

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