FOOD AS MEDICINE: SWEET POTATOES

SWEET POTATOES ARE TREATMENT FOR:

Cancer
Inflammation (Heart health and Alzheimer’s disease)
Type 2 Diabetes

Thanksgiving is coming and it is a time when this jewel gets featured but is it truly appreciated? This colorful root vegetable boasts an impressive nutritional profile: rich in beta-carotene (which the body then converts to Vitamin A), sweet potatoes are also good sources of Vitamin C, manganese, copper, Vitamin B6, potassium, iron, and dietary fiber. Sweet potatoes come in about 400 varieties and two main hues, with either cream- or orange-colored flesh. Anthocyanin compounds in sweet potatoes have anti-inflammatory effects and can target brain and blood vessel health. Sweet potatoes can also aid in the release of adiponectin a hormone in fat cells that favorably works with insulin response to balance blood sugar levels.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene and will help reduce your risk for cancers. There are over 300 carotenoid compounds and beta-carotene is just one of them! Research supports the synergy of consuming them together in carotene-rich food sources as far superior to isolated carotenoids in nutritional supplements or pills which may contribute to higher disease risk.

SWEET POTATO CHIPS

Having a crunchy-salty-sweet craving? Try these sweet potato chips! They are very easy to prepare and seasonings and spices can be changed based off your preference.

3 large sweet potatoes

Sprinkle of sea salt and chipotle seasoning

Coconut oil, butter, or grapeseed oil

Optional: choose sesame oil and use lime zest as seasoning

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice potatoes into chips-very thin. Toss the slices with oil just until coated. Stir in seasoning. Bake until browned, turning once. (About 20-30 minutes) Enjoy!