If you’re looking for a high-protein food that’s both nutritious and tasty, you’ve probably already heard about sweet potato. This dicotyledonous plant, which belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, is best known for its starchy, tuberous roots. Its young shoots and leaves are sometimes eaten as greens. And, yes, 500g of this versatile vegetable has a high protein content.
The average American consumes around 5.2 pounds of sweet potatoes each year, compared to 117 pounds of white potatoes. This is because the preparation method of a food is a big factor in whether or not it contributes to your waistline. While sweet potatoes are often boiled or baked, white potatoes are fried or consumed in large portions as French fries and chips. So, which is better for you: sweet potatoes or white potatoes?
They are also high in vitamin A, in the form of beta carotene. One medium sweet potato has about 1,096 micrograms of vitamin A, which is the recommended daily allowance for women and men. In addition, beta carotene helps with skin health and is converted into vitamin A by the body. Vitamin C is important for the cardiovascular system, and manganese is essential for growth and metabolism. Sweet potatoes are a great way to get all these nutrients in a small amount.
One-half cup of a baked sweet potato is equivalent to about 80g of sweet potato protein. However, it is important to remember that sweet potatoes contain a lot of carbohydrates, so eating two small sweet potatoes every day is not going to harm your health. A medium sweet potato is low in calories and contains no fat, so it is a great choice for people watching their weight. Just remember to make sure to eat a variety of plant-based foods to ensure your body stays healthy.
