Benefits of Eating Sweet Potatoes in Winter
Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious, containing abundant sugars, proteins, fats, various vitamins, minerals, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Japanese researchers have recently discovered that sweet potatoes contain anti-cancer substances that inhibit cancer cell growth. In experiments, concentrated fourfold white sweet potato juice showed about one-fifth stronger inhibition of cancer cell proliferation than regular white sweet potato juice. They also found that residues left after starch extraction from sweet potatoes contain substances that inhibit cancer cell proliferation. The sweet potatoes we commonly eat also contain this anti-cancer substance.
Additionally, sweet potatoes possess multiple medicinal values. Sweet potatoes contain a special form of vitamins C and E—only the vitamins C and E found in sweet potatoes have the unique property of remaining stable under high temperatures. Vitamin C significantly enhances resistance to viruses such as the common cold, while vitamin E promotes libido and delays aging.
Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, which effectively prevents hypertension and cardiovascular diseases like stroke. The milky-white sap in sweet potatoes helps relieve constipation, promote blood circulation, and inhibit muscle spasms. Freshly crushed sweet potato juice, when applied topically, can treat conditions such as eczema, centipede bites, and shingles.