10 Amazing Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes (Shakarkandi) + Nutrition, Uses & Side Effects

Introduction

Often hailed as nature’s candy, sweet potatoes (shakarkandi) are far more than a delicious addition to your plate. This vibrant root vegetable, a staple in Indian kitchens, is a genuine nutritional powerhouse, capable of transforming your health in surprising ways. 

From bolstering your immune system and supporting radiant skin to aiding digestion and even helping manage blood sugar, sweet potatoes truly live up to their ‘superfood’ status. 

Dive into our comprehensive guide to uncover 10 amazing health benefits of sweet potatoes, explore their impressive nutritional profile, learn diverse ways to enjoy them, and understand the few essential precautions for maximum well-being.

Sweet Potato Nutrition Facts: A Powerhouse of Vitamins & Minerals

Sweet potatoes are truly a natural blessing, bundled with abundant nutrients for a healthy diet. Here’s what you gain when you include sweet potatoes in your meals:

Key Macronutrients & Dietary Fibre in Sweet Potatoes

• Packing 20 g of complex carbohydrates per 100 g, sweet potatoes can provide sustained energy without spiking your blood sugar levels.
• They make a healthy snack or side dish, with 1.6 g of protein per serving and low fat.
• The 3 g of fibre promotes digestive health and regularity, keeping gut issues at bay.

Essential Vitamins & Minerals You Get From Sweet Potatoes

• A single serving of sweet potato is an outstanding source of vitamin A, providing over twice your daily requirement from beta-carotene. Vitamin A boosts eye health and immune function.
• They’re also high in vitamin C (37% DV), manganese (10% DV), copper (10% DV), pantothenic acid (10% DV), and vitamin B6 (10% DV).
• Sweet potatoes provide one-fifth of your daily potassium requirement and are a good source of iron and calcium.

Potent Antioxidants: Carotenoids & Anthocyanins

• The orange and purple varieties of sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, which protect cells from free radical damage.
• The antioxidants in sweet potatoes may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cancer.

10 Incredible Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes (Shakarkandi)

Sweet potatoes are one of the most nutrient-dense and versatile root vegetables, offering numerous health benefits. Rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they help improve digestion, boost immunity, and support heart and brain health. 

Here’s a detailed look at why you should include sweet potatoes in your diet.

1. Rich in Nutrients

Sweet potatoes are a treasure trove of essential nutrients. They are particularly rich in vitamins A and C, several vital B vitamins, and minerals like potassium and manganese. The high fibre content bolsters overall health, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

2. High in Antioxidants

Sweet potatoes are abundant in antioxidants, including beta-carotene, which imparts a vibrant colour to orange-fleshed varieties. These antioxidants combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and bolstering overall health.

3. Supports Digestive Health

The high fibre content in sweet potatoes aids healthy digestion by facilitating regular bowel movements and warding off constipation. Fibre also nurtures a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for good digestive health.

4. May help Boost Immunity 

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in the function of immune cells and helps the body fend off infections.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Antioxidants and phytonutrients found in sweet potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption can help mitigate inflammation in the body, which is linked to various chronic conditions, including heart disease and arthritis.

6. Promotes Vision Health

The high levels of beta-carotene in sweet potatoes, especially the purple ones, convert to vitamin A in the body, a nutrient essential for good vision. This nutrient helps prevent night blindness and may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

7. Supports Brain Function

One study stated that purple sweet potatoes contain anthocyanins (an antioxidant) that may help protect the brain by reducing inflammation and preventing free radical damage. The nutrients in sweet potatoes may also enhance cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity.

8. Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Despite being sweet, sweet potatoes have a low glycaemic index, releasing glucose slowly into the bloodstream. This property makes them a viable option for managing blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes.

9. Promotes Heart Health

The potassium in sweet potatoes helps regulate blood pressure, while the fibre content can reduce cholesterol levels. Together, these factors contribute to improved heart health and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

10. Aids in Weight Management

Sweet potatoes are fulfilling and nutritious, making them an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight. The fibre and complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and help curb hunger, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

Incorporating sweet potatoes into your diet can support your overall health and promote a healthy lifestyle. They are indeed versatile foods that offer a wide range of health benefits.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Sweet Potatoes (Shakarkandi Recipes)

Sweet potatoes, or as we fondly call them in India, shakarkandi, are delicious and packed with numerous health benefits. They are a rich source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a person’s overall well-being. 

Here we will explore some popular ways to enjoy the nutritious sweet potato.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Bhuni Shakarkandi): Simple & Savoury

One of the simplest and most delicious ways to consume sweet potatoes is by roasting them. Here is a quick step-by-step guide:

• First, wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
• Rub them with oil and sprinkle with chaat masala, lemon juice, and salt.
• Roast in the oven or on a tawa until tender.
• Finally, serve hot as a snack or side dish.

This roasting method heightens the sweet potato flavour and retains most of its nutritional value.

Hearty Sweet Potato Curry (Shakarkand ki Sabzi) Recipe

This sweet potato curry is another delectable dish you can prepare at home:

• Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes.
• Temper mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves in oil.
• Sauté onions, ginger, and green chillies until golden.
• Add tomatoes, spices like turmeric, coriander, chilli powder.
• Add cubed sweet potatoes and water, and simmer until tender.
• Finish off with garam masala and coconut milk (optional).
• Serve hot with rice or roti.

The spices in this curry enhance the sweetness of the sweet potato and make for a hearty meal.

Nutritious Sweet Potato Cutlets for a Healthy Snack

Sweet potato cutlets are an excellent snack that is not just tasty but also nutritious:

• Boil and mash sweet potatoes.
• Mix them with spices like cumin, coriander, chilli, and salt.
• Form the mixture into patties and shallow fry until crisp on both sides.

These cutlets are an excellent energy source and are great for boosting your immunity.

Sweet Potato Side Effects: What to Know Before Overconsumption

Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrition that provides numerous health benefits. However, like everything else, they should be consumed in moderation. Let’s explore some potential side effects of eating too many sweet potatoes:

• Kidney Stones: Sweet potatoes are high in oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. If you have a history of kidney stones, it is advisable to consume sweet potatoes in moderation and always stay well hydrated.

• Digestive Issues: High fibre content in sweet potatoes may cause digestive discomfort like bloating, gas, or diarrhoea in some people, especially if consumed in large amounts. To minimise these effects, introduce them gradually into your diet.

• Allergic Reactions: Allergies to sweet potatoes are rare but possible. Symptoms may include itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating sweet potatoes, seek immediate medical attention.

• Interactions with Medications: Sweet potatoes are high in potassium. Consuming large amounts along with potassium-sparing medications like ACE inhibitors or potassium supplements could potentially lead to hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels). This is primarily a concern for those with kidney disease. Always consult with your doctor if you are on any medications.

• Carotenemia: Consuming an excessive amount of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes can lead to carotenemia, a harmless condition in which the skin turns slightly orange or yellow. This condition resolves once sweet potato intake is reduced.

To avoid potential side effects, consume sweet potatoes in moderation as part of a balanced and varied diet. Despite these minimal side effects, the health benefits of eating sweet potatoes are immense, ranging from boosting skin health to providing benefits for women’s health. Remember, if you experience any adverse reactions after consuming sweet potatoes, discontinue use and consult with your family doctor.

Conclusion

Sweet potatoes are undeniably a nutritional marvel, offering a spectrum of health benefits from boosting immunity and digestion to promoting heart health and radiant skin. Their versatility in the kitchen makes it easy to integrate this delicious superfood into your daily meals, whether roasted, curried, or prepared as cutlets. 

It is important to remember that enjoying sweet potatoes in moderation is key to unlocking their full potential while avoiding any side effects. Make this vibrant root vegetable a part of your weekly diet plan and enjoy its remarkable health benefits.

Expert Quote:

“Adding sweet potatoes to your meal plans is a delicious way to boost nutrient intake, from enhancing vision with Vitamin A to supporting gut health with their unique fibre. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of healthy dishes.”

– Dr. Sachin Singh

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

• Laveriano-Santos, E. P., López-Yerena, A., Jaime-Rodríguez, C., González-Coria, J., Lamuela-Raventós, R. M., Vallverdú-Queralt, A., Romanyà, J., & Pérez, M. (2022). Sweet potato is not simply an abundant food crop: a comprehensive review of its phytochemical constituents, biological activities, and the effects of processing. Antioxidants, 11(9), 1648. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11091648
• Johra, F. T., Bepari, A. K., Bristy, A. T., & Reza, H. M. (2020). A mechanistic review of Β-Carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin in eye health and disease. Antioxidants, 9(11), 1046. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9111046
• Li, J., Shi, Z., & Mi, Y. (2018). Purple sweet potato color attenuates high fat-induced neuroinflammation in mouse brain by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB activation. Molecular Medicine Reports. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2018.8440