Yes it is true – although it seems almost too good to be true – sweet potatoes are better for you than potatoes. Scroll down for some amazing recipes to try!
Notes on nutrition:
The sweet potato is not related to the ordinary potato at all, but is a
cultivated descendant of a wild plant that has its roots in Peru. The sweet potato is a complex carbohydrate that supplies twice
the recommended allowance of vitamin A and one-third of the
requirements for vitamin C, which is why is is considered Low-GI.
It is also an important source of vitamin B6, iron and potassium.
It contains virtually no fat and is low in sodium and a fat-free source of vitamin E.
Sweet potato is an excellent source of dietary fibre, especially if eaten skin-on!
Despite being called “sweet”, it is actually a good food
for diabetics, helping to stabilise blood sugar levels and lower
insulin resistance.
Short orders:
-
“Crush” boiled sweet potatoes (including skins), moisten
with stock or olive oil and stir in any of the following: crushed
garlic, grainy mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, slow-cooked, crispy
chopped onions, chopped fresh herbs.
- Roast chunks of sweet potato with olive oil until half
cooked, spoon over liberal quantities of red onion marmalade and roast
until sticky and delicious.
- Roast cubed sweet potatoes in honey, garlic and olive oil and serve with a grilled chicken.
- For an unusual dessert, roast wedges of sweet potato with
orange juice, brown sugar (or vino cotto), mixed nuts, cinnamon, All
spice and lemon juice and serve with vanilla-flavoured, low-fat yoghurt.
5 recipes to try with sweet potatoes:
1. African vegetable stir-fry and sweet potato crisps
2. Braaied sweet potatoes
3. Fish and sweet potato curry