Sweet potatoes can prevent cancer
Cancer cells originate from human epithelial cells, and sweet potatoes are rich in starch, carotene, and more than 10 trace elements such as potassium and iron. They can protect the structural integrity of human epithelial cells, inhibit viral activity, block the production of nitrosamines in the gastrointestinal tract, and eliminate the toxic effects caused by mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and other toxic metals in food or the environment, thereby interrupting the carcinogenic process of toxic metals. Sweet potatoes are called by experts the most nutritionally balanced health food.
Sweet potatoes have anti-diabetic effects
Japanese researchers found that in diabetic obese rats, blood insulin levels decreased by 26% and 60% after 4 and 6 weeks of consuming white-skinned sweet potatoes, respectively. They also discovered that sweet potatoes can effectively inhibit the rise in blood sugar levels in diabetic obese rats after oral glucose intake. Eating sweet potatoes can also lower the levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids in diabetic rats.
Sweet potatoes can prevent the flu
As the weather turns cold, the flu season is upon us again. Recent articles in American media have pointed out that sweet potatoes help resist the flu and prevent colds. Sweet potatoes are the best food source of beta-carotene, which helps the body produce enough white blood cells to fight off infections caused by cold viruses.