Benefits of Sweet Potato (Shakarkandi) And Its Side Effects

Sweet potato is rich in Vitamin B6, which is also known as Pyridoxamine. Vitamin B6 takes care of our body’s metabolism, enhancing our immune system, influencing co-enzymatic activities, hormonal balance and maintaining liver function. People deficient in Vitamin B6 has been found to be very irritated and feels confused. Worst case scenario is suffering from anemia, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin B6 also takes care of the nervous system, and deficient persons are known to have Neuro-Psychiatric disorders like seizures and migraines.

Sweet Potatoes are a rich source of Vitamin D which is vital for calcium deposition and storage in our body. Deficiency in Vit D is bound to cause the lowering of density of the bone which can be investigated through Bone Mineral test. It also acts as a catalyst in preventing cancer, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. An adequate amount of Vit D is necessary for phosphorus absorption too. Sweet potatoes are extremely beneficial for individuals living with minimum exposure to sunlight which is the primary sources of Vit D synthesis in our body.

Sweet Potatoes have enough iron for hemoglobin and red blood corpuscles formation. RBCs maintain healthy immune system, by protecting against the pathogens invading our body. Hemoglobin is the principal carrier of oxygen in the body. Iron also moves with Oxygen and is the primary cause for the red color of the blood. Iron deficiency can result in anemia.

Sweet potatoes contain generous amounts of Magnesium which maintains the normal heart beats in the human body. It also helps in regulating blood sugar levels and is also associated with energy metabolism and protein synthesis. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and plays a vital role as an anti-stress element and acts as a relaxant. It also plays a major role in over 300 enzymatic reactions.

Sweet potatoes are rich in Potassium which regulates heartbeats, electrolyte functions, and nervous system. It is the third most abundant mineral found in the human body and is a highly vital element. Potassium deficient persons experience sudden bouts of palpitations, anemia, and headaches. It has been found to stimulate neural activity. Potassium acts as a vasodilator and allows blood vessels to relax when found in reasonable quantity. It stabilizes blood sugar and reduces muscle disorders like cramps. Sweet potato has the right combination of low sodium and high potassium content which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

Sweet potatoes contain a nutrient called choline which is a versatile component essential for numerous aspects such as sleep, learning, memory, and muscle movement. And it is highly helpful in reducing inflammation. It is also beneficial for absorbing fat. Moreover, the nutrient is involved in the structure of cellular membranes and aids in transmitting the nerve impulses. A choline deficiency can lead to the non-alcoholic fatty liver condition.

Though sweet potato is known for its sweetness, it has never been found responsible for a hyperglycemic attack, which is found amongst persons taking high calories diet after a long gap in eating. It has a glycemic load of 17 whereas regular potatoes which are found responsible for the hyperglycemic attack has a glycemic load of 29. Hyperglycemic persons are known to have trouble with vision and less focus on a task. Sweet potato has a high-fat content which minimizes the sugar absorption in our body. It does not increase the thirst level of people who ate a sweet potato after a long gap.

Sweet potatoes improve digestion because of its high fiber content. Acting synergistically with magnesium, they enhance our digestion process naturally. All the contents of sweet potato are very soothing for the stomach and intestines. It consists of starch which individuals can easily digest. It removes the risk of constipation which is beneficial for a geriatric person with cardiovascular diseases.

Sweet potatoes enhance weight gain as they contain complex starch, minerals, vitamins and some proteins. They facilitate muscle build up and are beneficial for individuals preferring to gain weight. People suffering from an extended illness like tuberculosis and other diseases are advised to eat sweet potato on a regular basis.

Studies at Harvard University showed that Sweet potato is high in antioxidants and acts as an anti-aging element by keeping skin wrinkles away. The purple variant of sweet potato is more beneficial in this case rather than white one. Of late, many celebrities have been found on Sweet Potato diet and states baked sweet potato as their age-defying secret.

Sweet potato contains Vitamin A in the form of carotenes which takes care of cancer and enhances the breakdown of histamines and prevents Asthmatic attacks. It reduces the congestion in our airways leading to lungs. It also reduces inflammatory diseases like Arthritis and Gout. Vitamin A deficient individuals suffer from dry cornea which leads to eye problems. And is also beneficial during pregnancy and lactation to synthesize the required hormones.