A nutritionist has made the claim that incorporating sweet potato into your diet could slash the risk of developing cancer and heart disease. Packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E, and folic acid, sweet potatoes are also a rich source of fibre, sodium, magnesium, and iron.
According to El Debate, nutritionist Júlia Farré explained to her Instagram followers the benefits of sweet potatoes for the body and the role of carotenoids. She detailed: “In this case, we find two types of carotenoids. On one hand, beta-carotene is responsible for the orange colour and crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system and plays a role in skin cell regeneration.
“Additionally, it is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The second type are lutein and zeaxanthin, essential antioxidants for maintaining healthy vision as they help prevent cataracts and also avoid age-related macular degeneration.”
Ms Farré is not alone in touting the virtues of sweet potatoes. Studies suggest that consuming 4g of sweet potato weekly may aid in diabetes management.
Moreover, Dave Bridges, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Michigan, has indicated that sweet potatoes contribute to the body’s potassium-sodium balance, which is vital for blood pressure regulation: “The body is constantly trying to keep potassium in balance with another electrolyte: sodium.”
Experts have dished out advice on how to lower your risk of heart disease, suggesting everything from a strict diet overhaul to simple actions you could take en route to work. Topping up your intake of sweet potatoes and other healthy choices can make a big difference, but even small bursts of exercise like opting for the stairs over the lift can have more impact than you might imagine, reports Surrey Live.
Citing a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine which analysed data from 81,052 middle-aged UK Biobank participants, the Daily Express has reported that this kind of light exercise could slash stroke risk by as much as 45% for some individuals.
Echoing these sentiments, the British Heart Foundation emphasises moderation rather than extremes, advocating for a balanced diet. Their website counsels: “Healthy eating isn’t about cutting out or focusing on individual foods or nutrients. It’s thinking about your whole diet and eating a variety of foods in the right amounts to give your body what it needs.”
Furthermore, they state: “There are foods we need to eat more of, like fruit and vegetables, and others we need to eat less of, which are foods high in saturated fat, sugar and salt. It’s all about getting the right balance. Eating healthily can be tasty, simple and fun. It’s about making small, long-term changes and enjoying the food you eat.”
For those concerned about their cardiac health, referencing the NHS website is recommended.