Potatoes or sweet potatoes: which is healthier?

0

What are the main differences between potatoes and sweet potatoes, according to experts from Baazar.

What are the benefits of potatoes?

Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins. They are rich in vitamins B2, B3, B6, B9 and C, which is especially important in terms of strengthening the immune system. In addition, potatoes contain a fairly large amount of antioxidants that protect the body's cells, prevent damage by free radicals and slow down the aging process.

The tubers contain the so-called “resistant” starch, which, like fiber, helps control blood sugar levels, which ensures the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Another important advantage of potatoes is their high potassium content. A deficiency of this mineral in the body causes many unpleasant consequences, since potassium is also responsible for the proper functioning of muscles, is indispensable for cellular metabolism and the normal functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. In addition to potassium, potatoes contain calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and manganese. In smaller quantities than potassium, but together with other products, it can save you from the risk of deficiency of these elements.

What are the benefits of sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and E, which are powerful natural antioxidants. They protect the body from free radical damage, prevent inflammation, slow down aging, and protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

In addition, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and K. Vitamin C stimulates the production of immunoglobulin and protects the body from viruses, and vitamin K is indispensable for the health of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. It strengthens bones and connective tissues, increases the elasticity of blood vessel walls, prevents their calcification, and normalizes heart function.

The high fiber content in sweet potatoes helps normalize the gastrointestinal tract and cleanse blood vessels of harmful cholesterol. In addition, the active substances in sweet potatoes have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, increasing concentration and improving memory, and can even help prevent depression.

Potatoes or sweet potatoes: which is healthier

Despite the fact that sweet potatoes are called “sweet potatoes”, they are not even related to the potatoes we are used to: potatoes belong to the nightshade family, and sweet potatoes belong to the bindweed family. Unlike potatoes, sweet potatoes contain slow carbohydrates that do not provoke a spike in blood sugar, are digested for a long time and saturate well, reducing the risk of overeating, which makes it a great product for those who watch their figure.

Sweet potatoes also win in terms of the content of useful substances, but do not forget that these products cannot be a full-fledged substitute for each other. To ensure that your body doesn't need anything, your diet should be as varied as possible, so you shouldn't give up one product in favor of another.