Growing Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a highly nutritious food with great adaptability in the kitchen. Growing them is something of a sweet skill in itself.

- Cat Woods

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of fibre, vitamins and minerals. They’re an ideal low glycaemic index carbohydrate, making them an ideal alternative to starchy traditional potato for those who are seeking lower carbohydrate diets and diabetics.

Orange and purple sweet potatoes are particularly rich in antioxidants that prevent free radical damage, which is linked to chronic disease and premature ageing.

Sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of fibre for gut health too. They are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre. Antioxidants in purple sweet potatoes have been shown to promote healthy gut bacteria, which are essential to prevent and avoid irritable bowel syndrome, and for optimal digestive function and immune system strength.

Orange sweet potatoes are a particularly good source of beta carotene, or vitamin A. One cup of baked orange sweet potato will provide over seven times the required average intake of beta carotene for adults. Beta carotene, once converted to vitamin A in the body, strengthens eye health. Purple sweet potatoes have also been shown to have benefits for the eyes through their level of anthocyanins, which prevent eye cells from damage.

Sweet potatoes, once cooked, reduce slightly in their beta carotene content but retain at least 70 per cent of the nutrient. The beta carotene is best absorbed through the addition of a healthy fat such as olive oil, avocado, nuts or coconut oil. Sweet potatoes are moderately high in vitamin B5, B6, manganese and vitamin C.

Not a potato