Sweet potatoes are root vegetables that are rich in nutrients and are available year round. They are endorsed by both the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association as a food that might prevent disease.
Serving Size
A 180-gram serving is the equivalent of one large sweet potato. When this vegetable is baked, in its own skin, without butter or salt, this 162-calorie side dish contains 4 grams of protein and no fat.
Fiber
Fiber is known to promote good digestion and regulate cholesterol and blood glucose levels. The American Heart Association recommends eating a variety of fiber-rich foods. A large sweet potato contains 6 grams of fiber, or 24 percent of the recommended daily allowance.
Complex Carbohydrates
The body digests complex carbohydrates more slowly than simple carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes are complex carbohydrates, which help keep you feeling full longer after eating than a simple carbohydrate such as a white potato would.
Nutrient Content
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. One sweet potato, with its skin, has more than four times the recommended daily allowance of this essential nutrient, along with copper, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamins C and B6.
Selecting and Storing
Choose sweet potatoes that do not have any cracks or soft spots and feel firm for optimal flavor and nutrition. They should not be refrigerated as they lose their flavor if placed this way. Instead, store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place that is well ventilated, possibly loose in a cabinet away from the stove.
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