Sweet potato nutrtiion
Does sweet potato nutrition live up to the superfood label that some people give it ?
How does the humble white potato compare ? For a very detailed breakdown see the piccy below.
Here’s lots of really helpful nutrition wellness & exercise tips.
In a nutshell, the white potato is holding its own and they come out pretty even, although there are some differences.
Potatoes are starchy carbs, which makes them a great source of energy, as well as making us ‘feel full’ as they are highly satiating and they can be enjoyed as part of healthy and well balanced eating.
It’s often how we prepare them, or what we stuff them with that alters how healthy they are, think french fries, crisps, butter, sour cream & cheese, to name a few.
To digest both potatoes our body needs to break down the resistant starch, this takes time to do, so although potatoes are ‘ high carb’ they don’t have the same effect as high carb processed foods in our bodies.
Sweet potato nutrition vs the humble white potato
Both potatoes are similar in their vitamin and mineral content.
But sweet potatoes are a star when it comes to vitamin A, as they are loaded with it, they also contain high levels of the carotenoid form of vitamin A.
Vitamin A is needed for normal vision, immune system, reproduction and growth & development, it also helps your heart, lungs and other organs work properly
Antioxidants & phytonutrients
Both potatoes contain antioxidants, which can keep us healthy by controlling the immune system, fighting viruses and helping reduce inflammation.
Coloured potatoes and sweet potatoes (purple, yellow and orange varieties) contain higher levels of these health boosting plant chemicals.
Getting the most benefits from sweet potato nutrition
This depends on how you prepare them, cook them & of course what you add to them !
1.How you prepare them.
Eat them cooked; baking, boiling or roasting is better than frying.
2.What you eat with them
Can you even see the baked potato under that cheese ?
To improve your sweet potato nutrition, why not opt for homemade chilli with it, with a side of green veg cooked, or salad/spinach ?
3.Minimally processed.
When eaten whole & minimally processed, both potatoes are nutrient dense and contain all the lovely things listed above like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients.
Plus they taste delicious and make you feel ‘full’.
If you’re thinking about a portion size, think 1 or 2 cupped hands for a portion amount, or a medium size potato, depending on your nutritional goals.
Best of all, enjoy eating your spuds, whichever you choose as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Claire x
