Coming in all shapes, colors, and sizes, the mighty sweet potato deserves to be celebrated every day. They deserve extra attention, however, on National Cook A Sweet Potato Day, which is annually celebrated on February 22nd. Sweet potatoes are starchy root vegetables and even though they are simple spuds, their health benefits may surprise you.
Sweet Potato Fact: Research points to the fact that sweet potatoes originated in Central or South America. Central American domesticated sweet potatoes at least 5,000 years ago, but archaeologists found that remnants of sweet potatoes in Peru dating back to 8,000 BCE.
They Promote Gut Health
Sweet potatoes contain soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which pass undigested through the gastrointestinal tract. This helps to soften your stool to promote easier bowel movements. Certain strains of soluble and insoluble fibers in sweet potatoes slightly ferment in the colon, creating short-chain fatty acids that encourage healthy intestinal cell lining. While these fibers support a healthy gut, the antioxidants in sweet potatoes have been known to promote healthy gut bacteria in preliminary test tube studies. A higher percentage of healthy bacteria is associated with reduced risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic inflammation, and infectious diarrhea.
They Support Healthy Vision
Yams may be some of the best sources of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is both responsible for the bright orange color and necessary for healthy vision. One cup of cooked sweet potato actually provides the body with over seven times the recommended daily amount of beta-carotene. Once ingested, the beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A inside the body, and it is used to form light-detecting receptors in the eyes. Test tube studies have reported that the anthocyanins in sweet potatoes may help to prevent a type of blindness known as xerophthalmia.
They Support The Immune System
As we previously mentioned, sweet potatoes are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene. Since low blood levels of vitamin A have been linked to reduced immunity, it is wise to consume your fair share of sweet potatoes to support the immune system. Vitamin A also plays a role in the maintenance of healthy mucus membranes, especially in the digestive system, and keeping the gut healthy is one of the best ways to enhance immune function. Lastly, studies have found that people with low vitamin A levels have increased gut inflammation and impaired immune function.
It’s Time…For A Sweet Potato Joke
Two sweet potatoes are walking down the street.
One sweet potato looks at the other one and says, “Do you want to be my best spud?”
The other sweet potato replies, “I already yam, and we’re a perfect mash!”
On that lovely note, we are going to dive right on into this national day by providing you with some tasty cooked sweet potato recipes. There are five recipes for you to choose from, and they all differ drastically in flavor. Choose wisely, or make them all! Let us know how you like the recipes in the comments below.
Sweet And Spicy Thai Curry Sweet Potato Soup
Combining sweet potatoes to make a soup with classic Thai flavors may be the best flavor combination ever in soup history. Slurp and enjoy!
Click here to make the recipe.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Whether you are looking for a tasty appetizer or an irresistible side, these savory sweet potato fries are delicious and easy to prepare.
Click here to make the recipe.
Cinnamon Maple Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Get a healthy dose of beta-carotene and complex carbohydrates when you indulge in this dish. The maple syrup enhances the sweet potatoes.
Click here to make the recipe.
Crispy Sweet Potato Cakes
Whether you are looking to up your hashbrown game or trying to prepare a healthy appetizer/side, these sweet potato cakes are the answer.
Click here to make the recipe.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup With Sweet Potato & Kale
This budget-friendly lentil soup is a comforting meal that is perfect for cold weather. Satisfy your taste buds with this nutritious soup.
Click here to make the recipe.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
