Sweet potatoes, with their multiple colors ranging from the famous orange to white, yellow, brown, red, pink, and even purple, provide various nutritional elements. According to what was published on the "WebMD" website, purple-fleshed sweet potatoes are believed to contain very high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, thereby helping to balance free radicals and eliminate harmful chemicals to the body's cells, in addition to the following health benefits:
**Vitamin A**
A medium-sized baked sweet potato can provide the body with 160% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A, which is important for promoting eye and skin health.
**Beta Carotene**
Dark orange sweet potatoes contain beta carotene, an antioxidant believed to protect against diseases, including certain types of cancer as well as eye diseases.
**Protease**
A team of scientists has discovered that sweet potatoes contain a unique protein called protease inhibitor, which has been shown to halt the growth of certain cancer cells in tests.
**Vitamins and Minerals**
Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin C, which activates the immune system. Additionally, their high potassium levels help regulate blood pressure, while calcium promotes bone health.
**Iron**
Sweet potatoes are a good source of iron, especially as they contain a lot of Vitamin C, which can help the body absorb non-heme iron better.
**Excellent Fiber**
For those aiming to lose weight, sweet potatoes are packed with excellent fiber. While white sweet potatoes are fat-free, sweet potatoes of other colors tend to have slightly fewer calories and carbohydrates.
