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Is Sweet Potato Good For Weight Loss? A Sweet Truth

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Is Sweet Potato Good For Weight Loss? A Sweet Truth

Within the ever-evolving landscape of weight reduction strategies, one versatile vegetable has emerged as a game-changer: the common-or-garden sweet potato. Bursting with vibrant color and a wealthy, satisfying flavour, sweet potatoes have garnered attention for his or her remarkable health advantages, and specifically, their potential as a robust ally in achieving weight reduction goals. 

While the skin color of sweet potatoes can range from orange, pink, purple, red and violet to beige, white and yellow ones with red, pink and orange skin are sweeter and moister than those with pale, yellow or white skin.

These tubers are a superb source of nutrition, providing a wide selection of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Interestingly, even when sweet potatoes share the identical name as the favored favourite tuber, potatoes, the 2 are literally not related. They arrive from different plant families. 

In this text, we’ll explore the scientific evidence behind sweet potatoes and weight reduction to allow you to make an informed decision about including them in your weight loss plan.

Sweet Potato Dietary Profile  

Based on USDA, a 100-gram serving of raw sweet potato accommodates:

  • Calories: 86 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 20.1 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Protein: 1.6 grams
  • Fat: 0.1 grams
  • Vitamin A: 769% of the every day value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 3% of the DV
  • Vitamin B6: 10% of the DV
  • Potassium: 11% of the DV

Sweetening Your Weight Loss Efforts 

There are numerous ways during which sweet potatoes assist in weight reduction. Listed below are a few them-

1. High-Fibre Content

Sweet potatoes are a high-fibre food that may keep you full for longer. This makes it easier so that you can keep on with a calorie-controlled weight loss plan. A study shows that dietary fibre intake promotes weight reduction in individuals consuming a calorie-restricted weight loss plan. Moreover, a study published within the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition states that the consumption of sweet potatoes helped improve satiety in adults.

The high fibre content of sweet potatoes also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which might reduce cravings and forestall overeating. Based on one other study, consuming sweet potatoes helps regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that they might be useful for weight reduction as well.

2. Low-Fat, Low-Calorie Food

Sweet potatoes are naturally low in fat and calories with a 100-gram serving having only 86 grams of calories and 0.1 grams of fat. By incorporating sweet potatoes into your meals, you possibly can add bulk and flavour to your weight loss plan without consuming excessive calories.

3. Nutrient-Dense

Research proves that sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense food. They’re a great source of potassium and vitamins A and C. Sweet potatoes are wealthy in antioxidants that protect your cells against free radical damage. Antioxidants may help reduce inflammation, which is a risk factor for a lot of chronic diseases. Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like sweet potatoes into your weight loss plan can support weight reduction and improve overall health by boosting your immune function. Consuming nutrient-dense foods like sweet potatoes fulfil the nutrient demand of your body when you’re focussing on shedding pounds.

4. Low Sodium

As per research, sweet potatoes are naturally low in sodium with 100 g of sweet potato containing of 73 mg sodium. Consuming low-sodium foods like sweet potatoes will help reduce water retention.  

Summary

Sweet potatoes are useful for weight reduction on account of their high fibre content, low fat and calorie levels, and nutrient density. They promote satiety, regulate blood sugar levels, and supply essential vitamins and minerals. Moreover, sweet potatoes are low in sodium and wealthy in antioxidants. Nevertheless, it’s essential to notice that weight reduction requires a calorie deficit achieved through a balanced weight loss plan and exercise. Sweet potatoes generally is a healthy addition to a weight reduction plan but aren’t a standalone solution for shedding pounds.

Suggestions for Incorporating Sweet Potatoes into Your Weight loss plan

For those who need to incorporate sweet potatoes into your weight loss plan to support weight reduction, there are lots of delicious ways to enjoy this nutritious food. Listed below are some tricks to allow you to start:

  • Roast sweet potatoes within the oven with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a tasty and healthy side dish.
  • Make a sweet potato and black bean chilli for a hearty and nutritious meal.
  • Mash sweet potatoes with a bit of little bit of butter and cinnamon for a healthy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
  • Use sweet potatoes as a base for a breakfast bowl, topped with Greek yoghurt, fruit, and nuts.
  • Add sweet potato cubes to soups and stews for a lift of nutrition and flavour.

Ways to substitute sweet potatoes for high-calorie or processed foods

When aiming for weight reduction, making smart food decisions is crucial. Sweet potatoes generally is a unbelievable substitute for high-calorie or processed foods, providing a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. Listed below are some suggestions to include sweet potatoes into your weight loss plan:

Replace French Fries

As a substitute of indulging in deep-fried, calorie-laden french fries, go for oven-baked sweet potato fries. Cut sweet potatoes into strips, toss them with a little bit of olive oil, season with herbs and spices, and bake until crispy. You’ll benefit from the same satisfying crunch with added nutrients and fewer calories.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Swap Mashed Potatoes

Swap out traditional mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes. Boil or bake sweet potatoes until soft, then mash them with a touch of butter or olive oil, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The result’s a creamy and flavorful side dish with a natural sweetness.

Sweet Potato Chaat

Loaded with calories, fried aloo chaat might be replaced with a healthy sweet potato recipe. Bake or boil sweet potato, cut into bite size cubes. Add boiled chickpeas, chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, raw mango, green chutney and a touch of chaat masala. Gently mix and healthy yet tasty evening treat is prepared.

Sweet Potato Parantha

The famous aloo paratha can get a healthier substitute. Boil or bake a sweet potato and mash well. Add salt, herbs and spices of selection, for added advantages add low-fat paneer/ mashed dal or chopped spinach/methi and use multigrain flour. Dry roast to make stuffed roti which might be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Suggestions for portion control and cooking methods to maximise dietary advantages

Portion control and cooking methods play a big role in optimizing the dietary advantages of sweet potatoes and supporting weight reduction goals. Consider the next suggestions

  1. Mindful portions: While sweet potatoes are nutritious, they still contain calories. Listen to portion sizes to avoid overconsumption. Aim for one medium-sized sweet potato per serving, which is roughly 130-150 grams or concerning the size of your fist.
  1. Steaming or boiling: Steaming or boiling sweet potatoes helps retain their nutrients while minimizing the necessity for extra fats. This cooking method maintains the natural flavours and textures of sweet potatoes without adding excessive calories.
  1. Roasting with minimal oil: For those who prefer a roasted texture, toss sweet potato chunks or wedges with a small amount of olive oil, then roast them within the oven. Use a lightweight hand when drizzling the oil to attenuate unnecessary calories while still achieving a crispy exterior.
  1.  Load up on toppings: As a substitute of dousing your sweet potatoes with high-calorie toppings like butter or marshmallows, experiment with healthier alternatives. Try topping your baked sweet potato with Greek yoghurt, salsa, black beans, or a sprinkle of nuts for added protein, fibre, and flavour.

Other Advantages of Sweet Potato

1. Improved Vision 

Sweet potatoes, particularly the darker ones comparable to orange and red ones get their color from an antioxidant called beta-carotene. Based on studies, beta-carotene gets converted to Vitamin A within the body and is used to form light-detecting receptors inside your eyes. 

2. Anti-cancer Properties 

Sweet potatoes offer an array of varied antioxidants, which help protect against certain kinds of cancers. Studies have shown that antioxidants slow the expansion of certain kinds of cancer cells including those of the bladder, colon, stomach, and breast. 

3. Anti-Diabetic 

Sweet potatoes, when boiled, have a low GI of 46. And that, too, the time of boiling affects this index. Research shows that the cooking methods can alter the structure and nature of the starches leading to significant effects on postprandial blood glucose responses. A better boiling period means a lower GI. Low GI implies that the food takes longer to digest and thus prevents any sudden spike in blood sugar levels. 

HealthifyMe Suggestion

Did you recognize you can devour sweet potatoes raw? Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes don’t contain solanine, a dangerous enzyme that potentially causes stomach pain and fever. Thus sweet potatoes might be added in small quantities to your smoothie for a fast dose of energy. 

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, sweet potatoes aren’t only a pleasant addition to your plate but additionally a useful tool to support your weight management efforts. Full of a powerful array of essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, sweet potatoes offer a myriad of health advantages that transcend their delicious taste. By incorporating these versatile tubers into your weight loss plan, you possibly can harness their natural properties to advertise satiety, regulate blood sugar levels, boost metabolism, and even enhance your overall well-being.

Disclaimer: The aim of this text is simply to disperse knowledge and lift awareness. It doesn’t intend to interchange medical advice from professionals. For further information please contact our certified nutritionists Here

Regularly Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q. Can I eat sweet potatoes during weight reduction?

Yes, sweet potatoes generally is a healthy and nutritious addition to a weight reduction weight loss plan. They’re a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being relatively low in calories. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates that will help keep you full and satisfied. Nevertheless, portion control is essential, as consuming excessive amounts of any food can hinder weight reduction. It’s best to include sweet potatoes as a part of a balanced weight loss plan, specializing in overall calorie intake and including a wide range of nutrient-dense foods for optimal weight management.

Q. Does sweet potato reduce belly fat?

While sweet potatoes might be a part of a healthy weight loss plan for weight management, there isn’t any specific food that targets belly fat reduction. Spot reduction of fat in a selected area, comparable to the belly, shouldn’t be possible. To scale back belly fat, it is necessary to give attention to overall weight reduction through a mixture of a balanced weight loss plan, regular exercise, and maintaining a calorie deficit. Incorporating sweet potatoes right into a nutritious weight loss plan can contribute to overall weight reduction. 

Q. How much sweet potato to eat for weight reduction?

The quantity of sweet potato one should devour is determined by various aspects comparable to one’s weight goal, activity level, calorie requirements, age, gender etc. It’s best to seek the advice of a dietitian or a nutritionist to find out the perfect portion size for oneself. 

Q. Is it OK to eat a sweet potato daily?

Eating a sweet potato daily generally is a healthy selection as a part of a balanced weight loss plan. Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Nevertheless, it’s essential to think about the general variety and balance in your weight loss plan. While sweet potatoes are nutritious, relying solely on them as a primary food source may lead to an imbalance of other essential nutrients. Including a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats is essential for overall nutrition and optimal health.

Q. Find out how to lose 5kg in 3 days on a potato weight loss plan?

Losing 5kg in 3 days on a potato weight loss plan is unrealistic and potentially unsafe. Extreme and rapid weight reduction shouldn’t be sustainable and might have negative health consequences. As a substitute of resorting to crash diets, give attention to long-term, healthy weight reduction by adopting a balanced weight loss plan, portion control, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes. Seek the advice of with a healthcare skilled or registered dietitian who can provide personalized guidance based in your specific needs and goals. Remember, slow and regular weight reduction is more sustainable and useful for overall health.

Q. Is boiled sweet potato good for weight reduction?

Boiled sweet potato might be a great option for weight reduction on account of its dietary profile. It’s low in fat and comparatively low in calories in comparison with another starchy foods. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of fibre, which might promote satiety and help control appetite. Nevertheless, the general impact on weight reduction is determined by the general balance of your weight loss plan and lifestyle aspects. Including boiled sweet potatoes as a part of a well-rounded, calorie-controlled weight loss plan can contribute to weight reduction when combined with other healthy decisions.

Reference Links 

  1. Fibre Intake Predicts Weight Loss and Dietary Adherence in Adults Consuming Calorie-Restricted Diets: The POUNDS Lost (Stopping Chubby Using Novel Dietary Strategies) Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31174214/
  1. White Sweet Potato as Meal Alternative for Chubby White-Collar Employees: A Randomized Controlled Trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6356856/
  2. Potential Effects of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) in Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia—A Systematic Review in Diabetic Retinopathy Context: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8509747/
  1. Sweet Potatoes: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/sweet-potatoes/
  2. Sweet Potato Is Not Simply an Abundant Food Crop: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and the Effects of Processing: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9495970/
  3. A Mechanistic Review of β-Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin in Eye Health and Disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7692753/
  4. Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activities of Taiwanese Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) Extracts: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4609785/
  5. Relationship between Processing Method and the Glycemic Indices of Ten Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Cultivars Commonly Consumed in Jamaica: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3205609/

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