NativaLand is introducing new varieties that will revolutionize the sweet potato market

Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, discover why these sweet, starchy tubers are so good for your health and learn the best ways to cook them.

What is sweet potato?

Sweet potato is a starchy tuber with a sweet flavor. It has a thin, brownish skin on the outside and flesh in various colors — orange being the most common, although white, purple or yellow varieties exist. It can be eaten whole or peeled, and the leaves of the plant are also edible.

Although both are called "potatoes," sweet potatoes and common potatoes are not actually from the same family. From a botanical perspective, sweet potato belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, the same as bindweeds, while common potato belongs to the Solanaceae family.

Nutritional value of sweet potato

Sweet potato is a good source of fiber and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium and selenium. It is also a good source of several B vitamins and vitamin C.

One of the main nutritional benefits of sweet potato is its high content of an antioxidant called beta-carotene, which, once ingested, is converted into vitamin A by the body.

Learn more about the importance of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

About 80g of sweet potato, or approximately one medium-sized potato, counts toward one of the five daily recommended portions of fruit and vegetables. This is different from common potato, which does not count toward this goal. Consult our infographic to learn what counts toward the five daily portions.

Can sweet potato help reduce the risk of cancer?

While there are no isolated "superfoods" capable of preventing cancer and some risk factors are not related to diet, there is evidence that a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, compounds that help protect the body from damage caused by "free radicals." Some studies suggest that the antioxidants present in sweet potato skin, especially in purple sweet potato, may help reduce this oxidation process and, consequently, the risk of cancer.

A study conducted in Asia also concluded that diets rich in vegetables with vitamin A, including sweet potato leaves, may provide potential protection against lung cancer.

Is sweet potato good for digestion?

Sweet potato is rich in fiber, which has been shown to promote proper functioning of the digestive system.

To date, research in this area has been conducted only in animals. However, the results suggest that the high phytosterol content of sweet potato may have a protective effect on the digestive system and could be important in the prevention and treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers, including those caused by NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen).

Discover more recipes and advice to promote good digestive health.