Q: Are fried sweet potatoes okay to eat while trying to lose weight? - A.B.
A: If you are trying to lose weight you'll want to eat sweet potatoes the healthiest way possible. Frying is not on that list, unfortunately. Healthier ways to eat them would be roasted, purèed, steamed, baked or grilled. I personally like to make oven baked sweet potato fries. They are delicious!
No matter how you decide to cook them, the sweet potato has its benefits. Sweet potatoes are an excellent choice for a starch. Here are some of the reasons why:
The most obvious reason is that sweet potatoes are high in carotenoids, like beta carotene. Their rich orange color indicates this fact. Carotenoids help strengthen our eyesight and boost our immunity to disease, they are power antioxidants that help ward off cancer and protect against the effects of aging.
They are a great source of vitamin C – C is an important vitamin in the bone and tooth formation, digestion and blood cell formation. Many people are already aware of the benefits of vitamin C in warding off cold and flu viruses. It also accelerates wound healing by producing collagen which helps maintain skin’s youthful elasticity. Most importantly, it helps us cope with stress.They are high in vitamin B6 - This vitamin helps reduce the chemical that has been linked with degenerative disease, including heart attacks.
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They contain vitamin D – This vitamin is vital for immune system and overall health. Vitamin D plays an important role in our energy levels, moods and helps to build healthy bones, heart, nerves, skin and teeth.
They contain iron – Most people know that iron is necessary for our bodies to have energy. But iron also assists in red and white blood cell production, resistance to stress, proper immune functioning and the metabolizing of protein, among other things.
Good source of magnesium – Magnesium is the relaxation and anti-stress mineral. It is also necessary for healthy artery, blood, bone, heart, muscle and nerve function.
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Good source of potassium – Potassium regulates heartbeat and never signals.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to 'Ask Dr. Renee'. Follow me on Twitter @AskDrRenee and on my website.
