As is well known, sweet potatoes are very nutritious. However, what is more valuable is that in the recent ranking of the top 20 anti-cancer vegetables released by the Japanese National Cancer Research Center, sweet potatoes took the top spot.
Cancer cells originate from human epithelial cells. Sweet potatoes are rich in starch, carotene, and more than 10 trace elements such as potassium and iron. These can protect the structural integrity of human epithelial cells, inhibit viral activity, block the production of nitrosamines in the gastrointestinal tract, and eliminate toxic effects caused by mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and other substances from food or the environment, thereby interrupting the carcinogenic process of toxic metals. Sweet potatoes are called by experts the most nutritionally balanced health food.
Moreover, sweet potatoes contain a unique substance called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that is similar to androgens. It can both prevent cancer and promote longevity. A large amount of data confirms that DHEA can effectively inhibit the occurrence of breast cancer and colon cancer.
However, sweet potatoes contain an enzyme called alpha-amylase, and eating too much may cause symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, and belching. Therefore, excessive consumption is not advisable, and a serving of about 150 grams at a time is generally recommended. Additionally, people with dampness obstructing the spleen and stomach, or with qi stagnation and food stagnation, should also be cautious when eating them.
The disadvantage of sweet potatoes is that they lack protein and fat. Therefore, it is best to eat them in combination with other foods that are rich in protein and fat.
Sweet potatoes with a dark brown skin or black spots are contaminated with black spot fungus. The toxicity of this fungus can make sweet potatoes hard and bitter, and it is highly toxic to the human body. Furthermore, this toxin is not easily destroyed by its biological activity, whether boiled or roasted. Therefore, it must absolutely not be consumed, otherwise the consequences could be disastrous.