Health benefits of sweet potatoes

In our opinion, sweet potatoes are a fundamental food you should incorporate into your diet. They are a versatile root vegetable that can be prepared in many ways. They have a natural sweetness, so you can enjoy this root veg as a savoury or sweet dish.

They are lower in calories & carbs than your average potato, and are also higher in vitamin A. They are a good source of fibre, potassium, vitamins (A,C & B6) and other essential nutrients. 


Here are just a few ways in which they may improve a person's health:


- Reduction in insulin sensitivity in diabetes

- Improvement of digestion and regularity

- Reduction of inflammation 

- Protection against free radicals (free radical damage has been link to chronic illnesses, heart disease and ageing. Therefore, eating antioxidant-rich food is good for your health)

- Promotion of gut health and brain function

- Support of your immune system

As you can see from the few examples above, sweet potatoes have many health benefits, and that's why we encourage you to swap your average spud to a sweeter, healthier version. 

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Sweet potato salad recipe

Ingredients:

x2 sweet potatoes (mostly peeled, but remember that the skin is loaded with nutrients) cut into roast potato shape
x2 handfuls of diced cherry tomatoes
x1 chopped red onion
x1 chopped roasted red pepper (optional)
x1 large handful of freshly chopped chives and parsley
x1 half lemon
x2-3 tablespoons of hummus (homemade or shop bought)
x1 tablespoon coconut oil

Dried spices:
At least a teaspoon of each

Sweet and smoked paprika
Cumin
Cinnamon
Turmeric
Sea salt 
Black pepper

Method:

Heat oven 200 degrees (fan)
Heat coconut oil in an ovenproof dish 
Chop the sweet potatoes
Add sweet potatoes to the melted coconut oil and then add all the spices. Shake dish so the sweet potatoes are evenly covered in the spices, and then pop it into oven for 40-45 minutes or until soft
Once cooked, leave to cool
Meanwhile, add the chopped veggies and herbs to a bowl, and once the sweet potatoes have cooled, add them to the bowl and gently combine
Add the lemon juice, hummus, and pinch more paprika, pepper and salt if needed
Gently combine again, and that's that !