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Top 15 Reasons Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good For Diabetic Patients

Here are top 15 reasons which tell you that sweet potatoes are good for patients with diabetes. Read further to check them out.

By Sravia Sivaram

Being a foodie and being a diabetic is one bad combination that one must never have. A diabetic will be stripped off their privilege to eat whatever they feel like and nothing else is more depressing than this.

Foods with high carbohydrate content is a big no-no for them, as the blood sugar levels will shoot upwards due to this. Gradually, this will damage the blood vessels and lead to other problems like heart diseases, kidney problems, stroke, blindness and amputations.

Foods for diabetic patients must include slow-digesting carbohydrates, in order for them to stay healthy. The best example for this is sweet potato.

Are sweet potatoes good foods for patients with diabetes? Have you been haunted by this question anytime? Read further to find out.

Sweet potatoes have a low glycaemic index and are considered the best for diabetic control. Moderate consumption of sweet potatoes will help in keeping the blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

It contains 26 grams of carbohydrates and 3.8 gram of dietary fibre. A cup of mashed sweet potatoes contains 58 grams of carbohydrates and 8.2 grams of fibre. This can be considered as the best food for diabetic patients.

Sweet potatoes can be consumed in various methods, but always remember to consume it in the right amount. This article will answer your question as to whether sweet potatoes are good for diabetes or not.

1. Digestive Issues:

1. Digestive Issues:

Being rich in dietary fibres, sweet potatoes help in combating constipation and also in preventing colon cancer.

2. Insulin Resistance:

2. Insulin Resistance:

It can be considered as one of the best foods for diabetics, as it has a natural sugar that helps in regulating the blood sugar levels and thereby in being insulin resistive.

3. Prevents Emphysema:

3. Prevents Emphysema:

This problem is common with smokers and affects a person's air sacs. Sweet potatoes contain Vitamin A and carotenoids that help with the regeneration of the respiratory system.

4. Heart Health:

4. Heart Health:

Can diabetics eat sweet potato? Yes of course they can! Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium and help in balancing the electrolyte and regulating the blood pressure. This ensures that you are at a lower risk of having a heart-related disease.

5. Boosts Immune System:

5. Boosts Immune System:

They are enriched with Vitamin D and this strengthens the immune system, bones, teeth, heart health, skin and thyroid gland health. Do you need another reason for finding out which are the best potatoes for diabetics?

6. Healthy Tissues And Muscles:

6. Healthy Tissues And Muscles:

The nutrients in sweet potatoes help in regulating the nerve signals sent to the brain and heart health. This will ward off the discomfort due to swelling and cramps and even ease the muscles.

7. Promotes Fetal Development:

7. Promotes Fetal Development:

Being rich in folic acid, sweet potatoes help pregnant women by ensuring baby's cell development and also in ensuring that the fetal tissue is not compromised.

8. Helps Combat Stress:

8. Helps Combat Stress:

Sweet potatoes are rich in magnesium and potassium that regulate the body's water balance as well as the body's reaction to stress factors. It also helps in regulating the heart beat and the flow of oxygen to the body.

9. Rich in Antioxidants:

9. Rich in Antioxidants:

They are rich in antioxidants that help in combating asthma, arthritis, breast cancer, gout and also in reducing the ageing effects of stress.

10. Boosts Vitamin C Levels:

10. Boosts Vitamin C Levels:

Being rich in Vitamin C, sweet potatoes are great for combating common cold, persistent cough and flu.

11. Skin Benefits:

11. Skin Benefits:

Boil sweet potatoes and use the water to clean the pores on the face using a cotton ball. This will soothe any inflammation on the skin. It is enriched with anthocyanin, which is said to reap a lot of skin benefits.

12. Combats Anaemia:

12. Combats Anaemia:

It contains iron and aids in the production of red and white blood cells that wards off anaemia.

13. Relieves Premenstrual Discomfort:

13. Relieves Premenstrual Discomfort:

Instant relief from premenstrual discomfort can be obtained due to its rich source of iron and magnesium.

14. Mineral Boost:

14. Mineral Boost:

By consuming sweet potatoes, it will boost your nutrient levels by providing minerals such as calcium, iron, manganese and potassium, and also other nutrients like carbohydrates and protein.

15. Hair Quality:

15. Hair Quality:

It contains beta-carotene that is helpful in keeping the hair healthy and in good shape.

Story first published: Wednesday, December 7, 2016, 11:51 [IST]
Read more about: sweet potatoes diabetes