1/2 cup (133 g) Candied Yams have approximately 210 calories, and are a popular side dish during Thanksgiving and other holiday meals. Candied Yams are usually made with sweet potatoes, which are boiled, mashed, and mixed with butter, sugar, and spices to create a delicious, sugary side dish.
In addition to their delicious taste, Candied Yams also provide some important nutritional benefits. They are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. As with most calorie-rich foods, however, it’s important to consume them in moderation.
In this article, we'll explore the calorie, carbohydrate, fiber, protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral content of Candied Yams, as well as their potential health benefits and ways to prepare them.
Calories in Candied Yams
As mentioned earlier, a 1/2 cup (133 g) serving of Candied Yams contains approximately 210 calories. Most of these come from the added sugar and butter used in the recipe. While Candied Yams can be a tasty side dish in moderation, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and limit consumption of high-calorie foods.
Carbs in Candied Yams
A 1/2 cup serving of Candied Yams contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates. Most of these come from the added sugar used in Candied Yams. While carbohydrates are an important source of energy, excessive consumption of added sugar can lead to health problems like insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity.
Fiber in Candied Yams
A 1/2 cup serving of Candied Yams contains approximately 3 grams of fiber. Fiber is important for digestion, satiety, and overall health. Consuming adequate fiber can help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Protein in Candied Yams
A 1/2 cup serving of Candied Yams contains approximately 1 gram of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as supporting immune health and hormonal balance.
Fat in Candied Yams
A 1/2 cup serving of Candied Yams contains approximately 5 grams of fat. Most of this comes from the added butter used in the recipe. While some fat is necessary for good health, excessive consumption of saturated and trans fats can lead to health problems like heart disease, high cholesterol, and stroke.
Vitamins and Minerals in Candied Yams
Candied Yams are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. These nutrients are important for immune health, skin health, and neurotransmitter activity, among other things. Potassium is important for regulating blood pressure and supporting heart health. Vitamin A is important for vision, skin health, and immune function. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage and supports immune health.
Health Benefits of Candied Yams
While Candied Yams can be high in sugar content, they do offer some potential health benefits. The high fiber content of Candied Yams promotes digestive health and can help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, Candied Yams contain important vitamins and minerals that support immune health, skin health, and cognitive function. It's important to consume Candied Yams in moderation and to be mindful of portion sizes, however, in order to prevent excessive sugar intake and avoid potential health problems like insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity.
Ways to Prepare Candied Yams
Candied Yams can be prepared in a variety of ways. They are most commonly boiled and mashed, then mixed with butter, sugar, and spices before being baked in the oven. Other methods of preparing Candied Yams include boiling, frying, and simmering in a slow cooker. Some recipes also call for the addition of nuts, marshmallows, or other toppings. Regardless of how they’re prepared, Candied Yams make a tasty and satisfying side dish for any holiday meal.
Candied Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes
Candied Yams are often confused with sweet potatoes, as they are made from the same vegetable. However, there are some key differences between the two. Candied Yams are made from a variety of sweet potato that has a slightly softer texture and sweeter flavor than other varieties. They are also typically served with added sugar, whereas sweet potatoes are usually served without any added sweetener. While both Candied Yams and sweet potatoes offer important nutritional benefits, it's important to be mindful of added sugar content in Candied Yams.
Best Time to Eat Candied Yams
Candied Yams are a popular side dish during Thanksgiving and other holiday meals. They pair well with other traditional holiday foods like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. However, Candied Yams can also be enjoyed as a side dish with any meal throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candied Yams
1. What are candied yams?
Candied yams are a traditional Southern dish made by boiling sweet potatoes until tender and then coating them in a sweet syrup made from brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The sweet potatoes are then baked in the oven until caramelized and tender.
2. How many calories are in half a cup of candied yams?
There are approximately 210 calories in a half-cup serving of candied yams.
3. Are candied yams healthy?
Candied yams are a delicious and traditional dish, but they are not particularly healthy. They are high in sugar and calories and may be best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
4. Can candied yams be made ahead of time?
Yes, candied yams can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave when ready to serve. They are also a popular dish to prepare for holiday meals and potlucks.
5. Are candied yams and sweet potatoes the same thing?
While the terms candied yams and sweet potatoes are often used interchangeably, they are actually two different types of vegetables. Candied yams are typically made from true yams, which are starchy root vegetables commonly found in Africa and Asia. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are a type of root vegetable that is native to South America.