125 | Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato is Staple food Papua New Guinea

Although sweet potato is a neglected crop in Bangladesh, it is a staple food in China, Papua New Guinea and some African countries. Moreover, it is sold at a higher price than potatoes in many countries, including the United States. Sweet potato has high nutritional value/food value, market value, importance as vegetable and fodder. It is an important crop worldwide, according to FAO estimates. The sweet potato plant is a creeping plant. The scientific name is Ipomeoa batatas. It belongs to Convolvulaceac family. In English it is called Sweet Potato. It is long-lived in summer-predominant climates, living for years once planted. Sweet potato cultivation is profitable in robi season. Cultivation is profitable as vegetable/vegetable/cattle fodder during Kharif season.

Varieties

Different varieties of sweet potato are cultivated in different regions of Bangladesh. The yield of improved varieties is much higher than that of local varieties. Tripti and Kamala Sundari are two high yielding varieties. The yield of which is 30-40 tons per hectare. The color of the variety is purple, the leaves are dark green, the fruit is white, the shell is light yellow. It contains a small amount of carotene.

Dish from Sweet Potato

Apart from curries, sweet potatoes can be used in a variety of ways. It is white, purple, beige, orange and yellow in color. However, purple and white are most common. Apart from adding flavor to food, this vegetable has multiple nutritional properties. Usually, this vegetable is used in a panchmishali curry or a sweet dish. As it is sweet to eat, many avoid it. Diabetics also avoid this vegetable. This vegetable helps in controlling diabetes. Also removes digestive problems.

Rich in Fiber

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber. It helps digestion and relieves constipation. Eating this vegetable keeps the stomach full for a long time. As a result, weight is controlled and obesity is reduced. Many people have problems with bowel movements due to digestive problems. Keeping it in the diet can also cure that problem.

Rich in Vitamin

Sweet potatoes contain anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it contains vitamins A, B, C, D and K. Which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in our body. Eliminates multiple problems and keeps the body healthy.

Antioxidants are present in sweet potatoes. Moreover, there is also a substance called carotenoids that prevent cell damage. This vegetable contains vitamin E and C. Which helps in maintaining good skin and hair. Protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. As a result, there are no problems like rashes, skin darkening.

Purple sweet potatoes have anti-cancer properties, a study has found. It contains anthocyanin which prevents bladder cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer. This substance kills any cancerous cells and slows the rate of cell damage caused by cancer.

Control Diabetics

Sweet potato keeps diabetes under control. Since sweet potato contains fiber, it can also control diabetes. Many people avoid sweet potatoes if they have diabetes. But experts say, it should not. A small amount of sweet potato can be eaten once a day. Not only sugar control, diabetic patients are at risk of developing cardiovascular problems. The fiber content relieves that too.

Nutrients

One cup (200 grams) of baked sweet potato with skin provides:

• Calories: 180
• Carbs: 41.4 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 0.3 grams
• Fiber: 6.6 grams
• Vitamin A: 769% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 65% of the DV
• Manganese: 50% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 29% of the DV
• Potassium: 27% of the DV
• Pantothenic acid: 18% of the DV
• Copper: 16% of the DV
• Niacin: 15% of the DV