Sweet potatoes are a tasty and nutritious vegetable that are packed with a range of vitamins and minerals. They are a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes are also a low-calorie food, with a single 6-ounce serving containing just 127 calories. That makes it an excellent choice for weight loss and healthy eating plans.
Nutritional Facts
A 6-ounce serving of sweet potatoes contains 127 calories. It also contains 0.4 grams of fat, 29.4 grams of carbohydrates, 4.9 grams of fiber, 1.9 grams of protein, 7.3 milligrams of vitamin C, and 1,376 international units (IU) of vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Health Benefits
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they can provide a range of health benefits. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to keep your digestive system healthy and can help to reduce cholesterol levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage. They are also a good source of vitamin A, which is important for vision and healthy skin. Finally, they are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which can provide sustained energy throughout the day.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes
There are many ways to cook sweet potatoes. They can be boiled, steamed, roasted, or microwaved. When boiling, it is important to cut the sweet potatoes into cubes or slices before boiling them. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly. Steaming is another popular way to cook sweet potatoes. To steam them, place them in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Roasting is a great way to bring out the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, and microwaving is a great way to cook sweet potatoes quickly and easily.
How to Incorporate Sweet Potatoes into Your Diet
Sweet potatoes can be a great addition to any diet. They make an excellent side dish for any meal, and they can also be used in a variety of recipes. Sweet potatoes can be used in soups, stews, pies, casseroles, and even baked goods. They can also be mashed and served as a side dish or used in veggie burgers. Sweet potatoes can even be cut into cubes and added to salads or roasted in the oven as a healthy snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in 6 oz of sweet potato?
A 6-ounce serving of sweet potatoes contains 127 calories.
What vitamins and minerals are found in sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
What are the health benefits of sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates. They can help to reduce cholesterol levels and provide sustained energy throughout the day.
How can I incorporate sweet potatoes into my diet?
Sweet potatoes can be boiled, steamed, roasted, microwaved, or added to soups, stews, pies, casseroles, and baked goods. They can even be mashed and served as a side dish or used in veggie burgers.
What is the best way to cook sweet potatoes?
The best way to cook sweet potatoes is to boil, steam, roast, or microwave them. When boiling, it is important to cut the sweet potatoes into cubes or slices before boiling them to ensure that they cook evenly.
Are sweet potatoes good for weight loss?
Yes, sweet potatoes are low in calories and a good source of complex carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for weight loss and healthy eating plans.
Can I eat sweet potatoes raw?
Yes, you can eat sweet potatoes raw. They can be eaten as a snack or added to salads or other dishes.
Are sweet potatoes good for diabetics?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a low-glycemic food, meaning that they won't cause spikes in blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can provide sustained energy throughout the day.
How many carbs are in 6 oz of sweet potato?
A 6-ounce serving of sweet potatoes contains 29.4 grams of carbohydrates.
Are sweet potatoes gluten free?
Yes, sweet potatoes are naturally gluten free.
What is the best way to store sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. They can also be stored in the refrigerator, but they should be consumed within a few days.
Do sweet potatoes contain oxalates?
Yes, sweet potatoes contain small amounts of oxalates. However, they are generally considered to be low in oxalates compared to other foods.
Are sweet potatoes good for dogs?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be a healthy part of a dog's diet. However, they should always be cooked before feeding to a dog, as raw sweet potatoes can be hard for them to digest.
Are sweet potatoes good for babies?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be a healthy part of a baby's diet. They should always be cooked before feeding to a baby and mashed or pureed into a smooth consistency.
Can I freeze sweet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be frozen. They should be cooked first and then frozen in an airtight container or bag. Frozen sweet potatoes can last for up to 6 months.