I’ve got some shocking and sweet news for you!: Sweet potatoes do not belong to the potato family.
The sweet potato is a relative of the Morning Glory (Ipomoea Batatas), and its nutritional makeup is quite different than the white potato.
The sweet potato – a powerhouse of nutrients rich in anti-oxidants – is a first-rate provider of vitamin A and beta-carotene. The sweet potato contains significant amounts of vitamins C and E, is a great source of potassium, is fat and cholesterol free and high in fiber. The sweet potato has a low glycemic index which helps maintain steady blood glucose levels. This overlooked vegetable protects against heart disease, stroke, cancer and delays the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
In 1992, the Center for Science in the Public Interest rated the nutritional value of vegetables. The sweet potato, a simple root vegetable, was rated the most nutritious of all.
One Medium-Sized
Sweet Potato
Calories 117
Protein Gms. 2
Carbs Gms. 28
Sod Mgs. 11
Calcium: 31.9 mg
Magnesium: 22.8 mg
Phosphorous : 62.7 mg
Potassium: 396.7 mg
Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
Fiber Gms. 3
Fat Gms. 0.1
Sat Fat Gms. 0.0
Chol Mgs. 0
% Fat Cal. 1%
Sweet potatoes are a great complement to any type of meat, poultry or fish. Add chunks of sweet potatoes to soups, stews or even chili. Peel or grate raw sweet potatoes into salads. My personal favorite: Start the day with a baked (or microwaved) sweet potato. Top it with low-fat plain yogurt and a little drizzle of honey.
Do not put sweet potatoes in your refrigerator unless they have first been cooked. They will quickly spoil. Best to keep them at room temperature. Coldness and wetness turn the sugars in sweet potatoes and change the taste. Plan on using within one week’s time.
Sweet Potato Steaks
Ingredients:
4 medium Sweet Potatoes
Instructions:
Slice Sweet Potatoes lengthwise into 1/4 inch steaks!
Brush with your favorite steak sauce. Let it sit for a bit.
Place on grill or broil. Turn once. When tender and soft eat it! YUM.
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Spread the word … NOT the Icing!
Janice
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