I. Prevention of constipation and cancer
Dietary fiber, the seventh nutrient in sweet potato, can stimulate gastrointestinal peristalsis, promote smooth excretion, and effectively prevent constipation and intestinal cancer; Dietary fiber can also prevent sugar from transforming into fat, which is a good helper for women's beauty and slimming. Sweet potatoes also have some little-known functions. For example, sweet potato contains unique flavonoids, which can prevent cancer and prolong life, and can effectively inhibit the occurrence of breast cancer and colon cancer.
In addition, sweet potato has a special protective effect on human organ mucosa, which can inhibit the deposition of cholesterol, prevent atherosclerosis, maintain vascular elasticity, and effectively prevent and improve cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Second, lower blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
American nutritionist Joey Bauer pointed out that the auxiliary antihypertensive effect of sweet potato is mainly attributed to its rich potassium. Because potassium and sodium are important elements that affect blood pressure, if the human body ingests enough potassium, it will promote the blood to discharge excess sodium; Eating foods rich in potassium will also promote the balance of mineral levels in the body, and ultimately play a certain role in assisting blood pressure reduction.
Sweet potato is rich in potassium, beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin B6, all of which help to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Potassium contributes to the balance of liquid and electrolyte in human cells and maintains normal blood pressure and heart function. β -carotene and vitamin C have the effects of anti-lipid oxidation and prevention of atherosclerosis. Supplementation of folic acid and vitamin B6 is helpful to reduce the level of homocysteine in blood, which can damage arterial blood vessels and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Third, prevention and treatment of diabetes.
Sweet potato has a low glycemic index. That is to say, after eating sweet potatoes, the digestion and absorption of sugar are slow, and stable blood sugar is produced for a long time after meals, so consumers are not easy to feel hungry and unconsciously reduce the number of snacks. Therefore, sweet potato has a good effect in preventing and treating metabolic disorder syndromes such as diabetes and obesity.
A clinical study at the University of Vienna in Austria found that insulin sensitivity of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was improved after taking sweet potato extract, which helps to control blood sugar.
Fourth, lose weight.
Sweet potatoes are very low in calories, much lower than ordinary rice, so you don't have to worry about getting fat after eating them. Eating sweet potatoes is easy to produce satiety, but it can play a role in losing weight. Sweet potato also contains a substance similar to estrogen, which has a certain effect on protecting human skin and delaying aging. So many foreign women regard sweet potato as beauty food.
Fifth, reduce the risk of stroke.
Sweet potato is the absolute king of "high potassium and low sodium". According to an article in the American journal Prevention, studies have found that foods rich in potassium such as sweet potatoes can reduce the risk of stroke by 20%.