Sweet potato

Come winter and its a common sight to see sweet potatoes roasted on coal in markets. In fact, soft, sweet potatoes are among the unsung heroes of a balanced diet. The more reddish the colour of the flesh of the sweet potatoes, the stronger is its aroma.

Benefits of sweet potatoes:
- Immunity: Sweet potato is very rich in beta carotene and iron and phosphorus present in make it an excellent immunity booster. 

- Asthma: It is effective in curing congestion of nose, bronchi and lungs, thereby giving relief in asthma.

- Bronchitis: The concentration of vitamin-C, iron and other nutrients in these potatoes help to cure bronchitis.

- Arthritis: The water in which the sweet potatoes are boiled can be applied externally on joints to ease arthritic pain.

- Digestion: The fiber content of sweet potatoes is higher than that of common potatoes. Other minerals like magnesium present in sweet potatoes, makes it an excellent
facilitator for digestion.

- Cancer: Beta-carotene, the champion anti oxidant and anti carcinogen, (the pigments responsible for the colour of the peel of the sweet potatoes and vitamin C), are beneficial for curing types of cancers, mainly those of the colon, intestines, prostrate, kidneys and other internal organs.

- Water balance: The fiber or roughage present in them helps retain water. This maintains water balance in the body.

- Stomach Ulcers: The roughage in sweet potatoes prevents constipation and resultant acid formation, thereby reducing the chance of ulcers. The anti inflammatory and soothing properties of sweet  potatoes also reduce the pain and inflammation of the ulcers.

- Diabetes: Sweet potatoes are effective in regulating blood sugar lever by helping proper secretion and function of insulin. Of course, that does not mean that diabetics should eat them indiscriminately.

How do we use use sweet potatoes?
Yam can be baked, grilled, boiled, charred or microwaved as per convenience. A freshly baked or boiled sweet potato is delicious and nutritious.