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Are
sweet potatoes good for weight loss?
Sweet
potatoes are not a common feature in meals though they have many
useful components. They are very rarely used in dishes inspite
of being available all throughout the year. One of the major benefits
is that they aid weight loss. It is full of fiber which is good
for the body and contains a lot of nutrients. Here are some of
the benefits of sweet potatoes and how they complement weight
loss:
· They contain carotenoids. These help in maintaining the
blood sugar levels in the body and contain insulin resistance.
Therefore, the cells in the body are more receptive to insulin,
which subsequently aids in losing weight.
· They keep the stomach full for a longer time. This keeps
the hunger pangs away and one will not feel the urge to eat unhealthy
snacks.
· They are fat free.
· The fiber present in sweet potatoes is very healthy in
maintaining a healthy body.
· They are also known to be low in glycemic index. This
index determines the affects of carbohydrates on blood glucose
levels. Therefore, they can be eaten by people who suffer from
diabetes as well. This also controls weight gain.
· The nutritional value in sweet potatoes is high, thus
helping is weight loss.
Sweet potatoes are often confused with yam. However, they are
much thicker and their peel is more orange in color. The inside
of sweet potatoes is moist and deep orange while the yam is dry
in the inside and in yellow color. They can be eaten raw and are
crunchy to taste. To cook them is very easy as all one will need
to do is to boil them in water.
Listed below is the detailed nutritional value of one sweet
potato:
1. Antioxidants - These substances destroy the free radicals in
the body. If one is working out to lose weight, these can help
in regaining the energy, thus aiding in weight loss.
2. Vitamin C - A sweet potato contains half of the recommended
daily allowance of Vitamin C.
3. Potassium - It has high potassium content.
4. Vitamin B6 - This component helps in preventing any heart diseases.
5. Fiber - The fiber in the potato makes one take a longer time
to eat. Therefore, one will avoid eating more. It helps in regularizing
the bowel movement, thus keeping up the metabolism rate. It also
maintains cholesterol.
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