Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The popular vegetable that supports heart health

Sweet potatoes are nutrient-rich
Sweet potatoes are nutrient-rich (Getty/iStock)
  • Sweet potatoes are nutrient-rich and support heart health by preventing high cholesterol due to their high fibre content.
  • The fibre in sweet potatoes slows sugar breakdown, leading to a gradual rise in blood sugar levels compared to other sugary foods.
  • They contain more potassium than a banana, which helps regulate blood pressure, relax blood vessels, and prevent muscle cramps.
  • Sweet potatoes provide immune-boosting vitamin C and vitamin B6, which strengthen the brain and nervous system.
  • Their orange flesh is rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant converted to vitamin A for eye health and cell growth; boiling is recommended to retain antioxidants.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in