Humans have been eating sweet potatoes for thousands of years, and for good reason. These vegetables are filled with vitamins-specifically vitamin A that encourages organ health; minerals; and potent plant compounds called phytonutrients.
Nowadays, they're also a favorite among athletes who cook veggies as a natural fuel, a touch of natural sweetness and taste, and a solid source of carbs.
But because not every single crop is equal-and sweet potatoes are carb-packed beasts, while other vegetables, such as cucumbers, are north of 90 percent of water-if you're trying to lose pounds, it's easy to ask if sweet potatoes are good or bad for your weight loss goals.
Here, where sweet potatoes stand on the scale-and how to make sure the vegetable doesn't sabotage your efforts.
Fiber-rich
Sweet potatoes are high in dietary fiber, which helps to decrease weight by creating a mesh-like gel in the stomach. This makes you feel fuller for longer and keeps you from overeating.
Fibre also facilitates the passage of stools and promotes the development of healthy bacteria. Eating fiber-rich sweet potatoes can increase metabolism, digestion, and thereby lead to weight loss.
Low glycemic index
GI is the ranking of carbohydrates in the food, which depends on the amount of glucose it causes in the body after it is consumed. Foods with a high GI can cause high blood sugar levels. Too many of these foods will induce insulin resistance and also increase the risk of type II diabetes. While the sweet potatoes are sweet, their GI is low. You should drink it without thinking about blood glucose levels.
Rehydrating
Dehydration will slow down your metabolism, and the use of sweet potatoes can help to rehydrate your body cells and increase your metabolism. Being hydrated stops the body from storing fat, regulates the pH, and helps to clear out toxins.
Provides energy
Carbohydrates can not be overlooked, particularly if you're trying to lose weight. Carbs supply you with energy for a number of functions - walking about, climbing the stairs, and more. If your body doesn't have enough carbohydrates, you won't have enough stamina to keep you alive and balanced. 300 grams of mashed potatoes produce a total of 58 grams of carbohydrates, 8.25 of which are complex carbs (dietary fiber) (dietary fiber).
Antioxidant-rich
Sweet potatoes have antioxidants that induce zinc superoxide, catalase, and sporamines. These antioxidants shield the body from inflammation, which can contribute to weight gain.
By adding sweet potatoes to your diet, you are essentially supporting your health goals, ultimately leading to weight loss.
