Sweet potato health benefits and nutrition facts

Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A (beta-carotene) and Vitamin C.

  • Both Vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that work in the body to remove free radicals (chemicals that damage cells).
  • Sweet potatoes are good for stomach ulcers and inflamed conditions of the colon.
  • Sweet potatoes are beneficial for lowering blood pressure.
  • Sweet potatoes may be helpful for hemorrhoid sufferers because of their high fiber content.
  • Sweet potatoes are good for people involved in heavy muscular work, since they are high in vitamins and minerals.
  • Sweet potatoes may help prevent cancer in glands and organs with epithelial tissue due to their high Vitamin A content.
  • Sweet potatoes are good for diabetics, because they help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: one medium.

 

Amount per serving
 %Daily Value 
Calories 103 Calories from Fat 0 0%
Total Fat 0 g 0%
Saturated Fat 0 g 0%
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 10 mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 24 g 5%
Dietary Fibre 3 g 12%
Sugars
Protein 2 g 3%
% Daily Value Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 218% Thiamine 5% Niacin 3%
Folicin 11% Calcium 4% Iron 5%
Manganese 16% Vitamin C 41%
Riboflavin 8% B6 12% Potassium 17%

 

Veggies 1/2 C cooked  Score
 Vit. A
 Vit. B
 Folate
 Iron
 Copper
 Calcium
 Fiber
Sweet Potato, no skin 582 X X * X X
Carrots 408 X * *
Spinach 241 X X X X * X *
Collard Greens 181 X X X * X
Red Pepper 166 X X
Kale 161 X X * * *
Broccoli 145 X X X *
White Potato 114 X * X X
Asparagus 75 X X X *
Green Peas 64 X X X * X
Corn 39 * X X
Green Beans 37 * X *
Tomatoes 37 * X
Summer Squash 31 * * *

Source: Nutrition Action Health Letter, Dec. 1991, CSPI, Wasington, D.C.
X= contains at least 10% of the USRDA
*= contains between five and nine percent of the USRDA