Did you know that 1 oz of sweet potato without salt, frozen, cooked, and baked only contains 28 calories? Sweet potatoes are a low calorie and nutrient-dense food that offer a variety of benefits. Let's take a closer look at this versatile vegetable.
In addition to being low in calories, sweet potatoes are also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are also rich in antioxidants that can help decrease inflammation in the body and promote good health.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes, different ways to prepare them, and some fun facts about this delicious root vegetable.
Calories in 1 oz Sweet Potato
As mentioned earlier, 1 oz of sweet potato without salt, frozen, cooked, and baked only contains 28 calories. This makes it an ideal food for those who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Carbs in 1 oz Sweet Potato
One ounce of sweet potato contains approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbohydrates come from complex carbohydrates, which are slowly digested and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Protein in 1 oz Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are not a significant source of protein. One ounce of sweet potato contains less than 1 gram of protein.
Fat in 1 oz Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are low in fat. One ounce of sweet potato contains less than 0.1 grams of fat.
Fiber in 1 oz Sweet Potato
One ounce of sweet potato contains approximately 1 gram of fiber. The fiber in sweet potatoes can promote good digestive health and help regulate cholesterol levels.
Vitamins in 1 oz Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. One ounce of sweet potato contains approximately 120% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A and 7% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
Minerals in 1 oz Sweet Potato
In addition to potassium, sweet potatoes are also a good source of magnesium and manganese. One ounce of sweet potato contains approximately 3% of your recommended daily intake of magnesium and 3% of your recommended daily intake of manganese.
Benefits of Eating 1 oz Sweet Potato
Eating sweet potatoes can offer a range of benefits. They are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an ideal food for weight loss and maintenance. The fiber in sweet potatoes can also promote good digestive health and regulate cholesterol levels. Additionally, sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants that can help decrease inflammation in the body and promote good health.
Ways to Prepare 1 oz Sweet Potato
There are many different ways to prepare sweet potatoes. Some popular options include roasting, steaming, boiling, and baking. Sweet potatoes can be enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or as a main ingredient in dishes like sweet potato fries, sweet potato pie, and sweet potato casserole.
Fun Facts about 1 oz Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious and nutritious, but they are also linked to some interesting facts. For instance, they are a key ingredient in traditional Thanksgiving dishes and are the state vegetable of North Carolina. Additionally, sweet potatoes have been found in fossilized remains dating back over 50 million years.
Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious food that offer a range of benefits for your health. Whether you enjoy them roasted, boiled, or mashed, you can't go wrong with this versatile root vegetable.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato
1. What are the health benefits of sweet potato?
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are known for their high content of vitamin A, which plays a vital role in eye health. They are also loaded with antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Can sweet potato help with weight loss?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a low-calorie food that is rich in fiber. This means that they can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time, which may lead to reduced calorie intake and ultimately aid in weight loss.
3. Are sweet potatoes good for diabetics?
Sweet potatoes are a good food choice for people with diabetes due to their low glycemic index. This means that they cause a slower rise in blood glucose levels compared to high-glycemic index foods.
4. Are sweet potatoes good for digestion?
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health. The fiber in sweet potatoes can help to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
5. How can I incorporate sweet potatoes into my diet?
Sweet potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, boiling, and roasting. They can be enjoyed as a side dish, added to soups and stews, or used as a substitute for traditional carb-heavy dishes like fried rice or mashed potatoes.