Often used interchangeably, the terms sweet potato and yam are actually two different vegetables unrelated to one another. The sweet potato is grows in the United States, while yams only grow in tropical climates. Sweet potatoes come from the...
Sweet potato is often touted as a "superfood" rich in fiber, minerals and antioxidant vitamins. The leaves of the growing tubers also contribute significant nutrients. Unlike the poisonous greens of the white potato, sweet potato tops are suitable...
Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, fiber, B vitamins, potassium and even iron. In fact, Whole Foods considers sweet potatoes one of the healthiest vegetables we eat. A medium sized sweet potato contains more than your daily...
Say “sweet potatoes,” and many people immediately think of the sweet potato and marshmallow casseroles that are served on Thanksgiving Day. Sweet potatoes, however, are nutritious vegetables that can be served in many ways. While...
Sugar is a type of carbohydrate found naturally in nearly all types of fruits and vegetables, or added to processed foods. While sweet potatoes are often called yams, they are actually two distinct types of root vegetables. Yams have more starch...
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that needs to be consumed on a regular basis because it does not get stored in fat. Known chemically as "ascorbic acid," Vitamin C plays a major role with the formation of collagen. This is a substance that...
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body and is found primarily in the eyes and joints, but it is also found throughout the body in connective tissue. Because hyaluronic acid is produced by the body, it isn't considered an essential nutrient,...
All vitamins and minerals are essential to your health, but certain ones can really make an impact. Some vitamins are necessary for vision, while others are necessary for making red blood cells and healthy bones. Most people receive an adequate...
Carbohydrates are a type of macronutrient that has 4 calories per gram. When they are consumed, your blood sugar rises and your pancreas releases insulin to stabilize the levels. The glycemic index is a chart that rates how fast a carbohydrate...
Vitamin B8, otherwise known as biotin, is part of the B vitamin complex. It is a water-soluble vitamin widely available in common foods. Some of the benefits of vitamin B8 are understood, such as how biotin, when working with vitamin B5, is...
Sweet potatoes, often called yams, are botanically unrelated to the true yam plant. Sweet potatoes belong to the Morning Glory family and originated in tropical regions of the Americas. In the U.S., they grow primarily in southern Florida. Sweet...
Yams and sweet potatoes are botanically distinct, although the terms are often used interchangeably. Yams have pale flesh and grow in Asia and Africa, while sweet potatoes have bright orange or yellow flesh and grow in tropical regions of the...
Dr. Mehmet Oz is a nationally renowned cardiac surgeon who is also an Emmy-award winning daytime television personality. Although his specialty is not oncology, people trust what he has to say about healthy living regarding cancer prevention....
In a prolonged emergency, such as a natural disaster or global economic collapse, food distribution networks may be disrupted or halted. Grocery stores may be unable to restock foods and other goods. You may have to rely on the food you have...
The growth of a child is dependent on several factors, including getting adequate rest, being physically active, consuming enough calories and getting the right ratios of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Particular vitamins such as A, C,...
The GI, or glycemic index, was developed as a guide for diabetes patients to help them choose sources of carbohydrates that would not cause a rapid rise of blood sugar levels. The glycemic index ranks foods depending on how fast glucose is...
The potato, according to The Cook’s Thesaurus website, is the most popular vegetable in America. Potatoes are a versatile vegetable you can boil, bake, microwave, steam, fry or roast. While both white potatoes and sweet potatoes offer...
A nutrient-rich, well-rounded diet can help women have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. Your pregnancy diet should include a wide variety of foods from all the food groups, including vegetables. Add root vegetables to your meal plan...
The nightshade family is Solanaceae, which has several genera and species. Some of these are edible vegetables, and they include the tomato, potato, tomatillo, eggplant and sweet and chile/chili peppers. These are some of the most basic vegetables...
The starch found in pearl tapioca and tapioca puddings comes from the root of a plant native to Brazil. European sailors brought tapioca, also known as manioc or cassava, to Africa and other tropical regions as early as the 15th century. The...
The many varieties of sweet potatoes add to the confusion about which type offers the best nutrition. Often called yams in the U.S., sweet potatoes offer better nutrition than true yams. True yams -- often white-fleshed -- provide little Vitamin...
