The Benefits of Sweet Potato for Weight Loss

Fall and winter sees a change in the kind of seasonal vegetables we eat, and one of the winter favourites is the sweet potato.

Sweet potatoes are a versatile vegetable, and are packed full of vitamins and minerals that help maintain good blood pressure, and could even help fight obesity.

There have been studies that support the claim that sweet potatoes can help control weight, so they could be a useful (and tasty) weapon in the war against excess weight.

1. High in Nutrients

Although they are relatively high in carbs, sweet potatoes contain vitamins A, B6 and C, and nutrients such as copper, manganese, potassium, fiber, panthothenic acid, calcium, folate and iron.

2. Low in Calories

Sweet potatoes contain around 100 calories per serving, so you can eat a good amount of them as long as you don’t prepare them with calorific oils and fats.

3. They’re Filling

These veggies are a good source of fiber, which helps maintain blood sugar levels and slows down the digestive processes, which help you stay fuller for longer.

4. High in Fiber

Dietary fiber is essential for good digestive health as well as weight loss. It helps keep food moving smoothly through the gut, and helps prevent constipation. A medium sweet potato provides around 4 grams of fiber, which is more than a bowl of oatmeal.

5. High Water Content

Another reason that sweet potatoes can help with weight loss is because they have a high water content, which means you can eat more of them for less calories. They will also hydrate your body as they satisfy your hunger.

6. Low GI

Sweet potatoes are low on the glycemic index, which means they don’t cause a spike in your blood sugar. Raised blood sugar can carry the risk of diabetes and obesity, so it’s best to eat foods that are mid to low on the GI index.

7. Healthy Carbohydrates

One cup of sweet potatoes gives you around 28 grams of complex carbohydrates, which may not sound great for weight loss, but because it is low in calories and high in nutrients, sweet potato can give you extra extra energy. The carbohydrate content also helps your brain produce glucose, which can help you stay alert and avoid the tiredness that sometimes goes with weight-loss regimes.