If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious snack or side dish, baked sweetpotato with the peel on is a great option! Not only is it tasty, but it's also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. In fact, each 100 gram serving contains around 131 calories.
In addition to being low in calories, sweetpotatoes are also a great source of important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. They also contain fiber and antioxidants that can help support overall health and wellness. So the next time you're in the mood for something sweet and satisfying, consider baking up a sweetpotato!
In this article, we'll explore different ways to cook and enjoy sweetpotatoes, along with some of their potential health benefits. Whether you're an athlete looking for a post-workout snack or just trying to eat a little healthier, sweetpotatoes are a great choice!
Calories in Baked Sweetpotato with Peel
As mentioned earlier, a 100 gram serving of baked sweetpotato with the peel on contains around 131 calories. However, the specific number of calories can vary depending on the size and type of sweetpotato you use. If you're counting calories or trying to manage your weight, it's important to make sure you're properly measuring your portions. You can use a food scale or measuring cups/spoons to ensure that you're consuming the right amount of sweetpotato. Overall, sweetpotatoes can be a great option for a low-calorie, satisfying snack or meal. Just make sure to enjoy them in moderation and as part of a balanced diet!
Vitamins and Minerals in Baked Sweetpotato with Peel
As mentioned earlier, sweetpotatoes are a great source of essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. In fact, a 100 gram serving of baked sweetpotato with the peel on contains about 1,384 IU of vitamin A and 27 milligrams of vitamin C. Vitamin A is important for immune function, vision health, and skin health, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help protect against cellular damage. Potassium, meanwhile, is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and heart function. So if you're looking for a tasty way to get more vitamins and minerals in your diet, consider adding more sweetpotatoes to your meals!
Fiber Content in Baked Sweetpotato with Peel
Sweetpotatoes are also a good source of dietary fiber, with around 3 grams of fiber in each 100 gram serving with the peel on. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help keep you feeling full and satiated. In addition, fiber can also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol levels. So if you're looking for a tasty and nutritious way to support your overall health, sweetpotatoes could be a great choice!
Health Benefits of Baked Sweetpotato with Peel
In addition to their nutritional value, sweetpotatoes may also offer some potential health benefits. For example, the antioxidants in sweetpotatoes could help protect against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Sweetpotatoes may also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making them a good choice for people with diabetes or insulin resistance. Overall, sweetpotatoes are a delicious and nutritious way to support your overall health and wellbeing!
Ways to Cook Baked Sweetpotato with Peel
There are many different ways to prepare and enjoy baked sweetpotatoes with the peel on. Some popular cooking methods include baking, roasting, boiling, and grilling. One tasty way to enjoy baked sweetpotatoes is to slice them into thin rounds or wedges, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with herbs and spices like garlic, paprika, and rosemary. Then roast them in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until they're crispy and golden brown. Another simple and delicious way to enjoy sweetpotatoes is to simply bake them whole in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-60 minutes, or until they're tender and easily pierced with a fork. Then slice them open and enjoy with a sprinkle of salt and pepper or your favorite toppings!
Baked Sweetpotato vs. Regular Potato
While both sweetpotatoes and regular potatoes are nutritious choices, there are some key differences to consider. For example, sweetpotatoes are generally higher in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants compared to regular potatoes. They also have a lower glycemic index, which means they cause a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels. On the other hand, regular potatoes are generally higher in potassium and vitamin C than sweetpotatoes. They're also more versatile in terms of culinary uses, and can be mashed, roasted, fried, or baked in a wide range of recipes.
Sweetpotato Recipes to Try
If you're looking for some inspiration for how to cook and enjoy sweetpotatoes, here are a few tasty recipe ideas to try: - Sweetpotato fries: Slice sweetpotatoes into thin fries and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika. Bake in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. - Stuffed sweetpotatoes: Bake sweetpotatoes in the oven, then slice them open and stuff them with beans, cheese, avocado, and salsa for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Baked Sweetpotato as a Post-Workout Snack
If you're an athlete or active individual looking for a nutritious post-workout snack, consider reaching for a baked sweetpotato with the peel on! Sweetpotatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which can help replenish glycogen stores and support recovery after exercise. They're also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce muscle damage and soreness. Try pairing a baked sweetpotato with a source of protein like Greek yogurt, turkey, or chicken for a complete post-workout snack.
Baked Sweetpotato as a Side Dish
Baked sweetpotatoes are also a great choice for a healthy and flavorful side dish! Try roasting sweetpotatoes with other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and onion for a colorful and delicious medley. Or, slice sweetpotatoes into thin rounds and top with cheese, bacon, and green onion for a tasty and satisfying casserole. No matter how you serve them, sweetpotatoes are a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal!
How to Choose Sweetpotatoes for Baking
When it comes to choosing sweetpotatoes for baking, there are a few factors to consider. First, look for sweetpotatoes that are firm and free of any soft spots or bruises. They should also be free of cracks or blemishes on the skin. Sweetpotatoes with a uniform thickness will cook more evenly than those with varying thicknesses. If possible, choose organic sweetpotatoes to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals like pesticides. And, store your sweetpotatoes in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cellar to keep them fresh and flavorful for longer.
Eating sweetpotatoes with the peel on is a great way to increase your intake of dietary fiber, which is important for digestion and overall health.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Sweet Potatoes
1. What are the health benefits of sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They are also low in calories and have a low glycemic index, making them a great option for those watching their weight or managing diabetes.
2. How do you bake sweet potatoes?
To bake sweet potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash the sweet potatoes and poke them with a fork a few times. Then, place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. Once they're cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
3. Can you eat the skin of a sweet potato?
Yes, you can eat the skin of a sweet potato! Just make sure to wash it thoroughly before cooking. The skin is a great source of fiber and adds extra nutrients to your meal.
4. What are some ways to serve baked sweet potatoes?
Baked sweet potatoes can be served in a variety of ways. You can slice them and eat them as a side dish, mash them and use them as a healthy substitute for mashed potatoes, or add them to soups and stews for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. How many calories are in a baked sweet potato?
A 100-gram serving of baked sweet potato (with the peel eaten) contains approximately 131 calories.