The potato is the most popular vegetable in America. In fact, studies have found that the average American eats an astounding 117 pounds of potatoes each year.
So, here’s the question: Does switching from white potatoes to sweet potatoes promote better health? Or is it just a passing culinary trend?
When it comes to calories, fat, carbohydrates and protein, white potatoes and sweet potatoes are – despite the hype – very similar. In terms of fiber, the sweet potato does have a slight advantage at 3.3 grams (per a 100-gram serving) versus 2.1 grams for white potatoes. The extra fiber in sweet potatoes can help make you feel fuller, longer.
The more notable differences can be found through a vitamin and mineral comparison. While both vegetables contain similar quantities of many nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin K, sweet potatoes are much higher in beta-carotene and vitamin A.
Because of the additional nutrients found in sweet potatoes, they are slightly healthier than their white counterparts. But preparation, rather than the type of potato consumed, can have a far greater impact on your health. Instead of consuming chips or fries, ensure that your potatoes are baked or boiled. And, like anything else, they should be consumed in moderation.
About Davey Wavey
One of my favourite ways to have sweet potato is chop them into chips, toss them in a tiny bit of oil just to coat them and sprinkle over some dried herbs, like thyme, 25mins in the oven and you have a delicious non-deep fat fried chip!
maybe-its just that i avoid them all-sweet or white-but i will try the sweet for variety.but only in moderation..
I think there is another considerable difference when it comes to pick your potato. Sweet potatoes have a much lower glycemic index than their white counterparts.
I like to peel them and cube then, brush with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt (not a lot) then baked them up. 350 about 20-30 depending on how many and how big your cubes are. great are hors d’oeuvre for a party
Hi Davey,
You have written a great article telling all the nutrients value in the sweet potato..
I believe that one should eat sweet potato just by boiling it instead of deep frying or something else!
Even, every veggies you take are beneficial if you dont fry them.. Fried veggies are full of fats..
Thanks!!
Wish u a very happy and healthy new year 2013 🙂
Steam or bake your sweet potatoes over boiling. They are a great way to hide healthy fats for my kids [coconut oil\coconut cream mashed right in] since we don’t do animal products.
Still love mashed potatoes though once a week or so. Yum!