Sweet potatoes are available all over the
world, and if you only eat these delicious root vegetables when they've
been baked until they are virtually unrecognizable, then you are missing
out on one of nature's greatest nutritional gifts. They are not only
rich in a vast range of nutrients, but they are also one of the best
natural ways to regulate your blood sugar levels, making them an
exceptionally beneficial food for diabetics. It also helps that they are
absolutely scrumptious, and their sweet flavor is completely unlike any
other found in the vegetable world. Indeed, sweet potatoes are so
versatile that they're sure to liven up a whole range of dishes, even
desserts!
Selecting and Storing Sweet Potatoes
There are different varieties of sweet potato, and many come in
different colorings and hues. Here are some tips for selecting, storing
and preparing the vegetable, so that you can benefit from as much
goodness as possible.
1. Choose the darker variety of sweet potato at the grocery store if
possible, because they have the higher carotene content, essential for
the production of vitamin A. Purple sweet potatoes, more commonly found
in Asia, are also a great source of nutrients. Paler varieties are
healthy, but don't offer quite the same number of benefits as darker
types, and many people often confuse them with yams.
2. Avoid wrinkly, soft sweet potatoes and take time to select ones with
good, firm flesh. If there are signs of green discoloring, then leave
them alone.
3. Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dark and well ventilated place. Do
not leave them in plastic bags, or keep them in the fridge. Consume
within 7-10 days of purchase.
4. Prepare sweet potatoes in the same way you would prepare normal white
potatoes. However, bear in mind that the skin contains a large
percentage of the nutrients, so try to leave it on if possible. You can
make fantastic sweet potato fries by leaving the skin on, and chopping
the vegetable into strips.
5. You can steam, bake, boil or roast sweet potatoes, and still benefit
from plenty of nutrients. But as with any vegetable preparation, try not
to over-cook them.
For health benefits of Sweet potatoes see my cancer blog. It is very good for diabetics, heart too.
