Veg Sweetpotato Leaves, They are rich in vitamin B, ßcarotene, iron, calcium, zinc and protein,

[China Connection]

Nutritional and Medicinal Qualities of Sweetpotato Tops and Leaves Shahidul Islam Professor Plant Science Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] is the sixth most important food crop in the world, and new uses for this crop have been identified. Sweetpotato is one of the crops selected by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to be grown in a controlled ecological life support system as a primary food source. Recent studies show that sweetpotato contains such functional components as polyphenols, anthocyanins and dietary fiber, which are important for human health.


Sweetpotato roots are a good source of carbohydrates, while sweet potato tops (leaves and stems) contain additional nutritional components in much higher concentrations than in many other commercial vegetables. Sweet potato leaves are cooked as a vegetable in many parts of the world. They are rich in vitamin B, ßcarotene, iron, calcium, zinc and protein, and the crop is more tolerant of diseases, pests and high moisture than many other leafy vegetables grown in the tropics. Because sweet potato tops can be harvested several times a year, their annual yield is much higher than many other green vegetables.

Sweetpotato is one of the most important summer food crops in the southern United States. It is a versatile plant. For example, it is used as food, as livestock feed and for starch and alcohol production. The tips can be cooked together with other ingredients in various dishes, or they can be dried and stored for later use as a boiled or fried vegetable. Researchers in North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Texas and Alabama are contributing to the value of sweetpotato by finding new uses. Arkansas is not a major sweet potatog rowing state. Although soil and climate are favorable for production, Arkansas growers cannot compete economically with neighboring producer states North Carolina, Sweet potato leaves Leaves with stem


Louisiana and Mississippi. Only recently have and B. Sweetpotato is also an important source of vitsome smallscale farmers in south Arkansas become amin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid and interested and have planted about 5,000 acres of many other functional compounds (Woolfe, 1992). sweetpotato, mostly for fresh market. Nutritional Value Sweetpotato may become a profitable leafy vegetable crop in Arkansas if appropriate varieties were available or could be developed. Several researchers report that sweetpotato leaves are an excellent source of antioxidative polyphenolics, among them anthocyanins and phenolics, and are superior to other commercial vegetables. The nutritional value of sweetpotato leaves is gaining recognition, as the understanding between diet and health increases. Sweetpotato leaves with their high nutritive value and antioxidants may become an excellent leafy vegetable.

Cultivation for Sweetpotato Tip Production Usually, sweetpotato roots are planted 2 inches deep and about 2 inches apart (density of 5 cm × 5 cm) in a greenhouse/polyethylene house in late winter/early spring (i.e., during late February until early March in the southern United States). After two months, harvest tips every 10 to 15 days. In the southern United States, generally all greens (tops) may be harvested at least six times a year – the end of April, the end of May, the end of June, the end of July, the beginning of September and the end of October. Fertilizer Apply chemical fertilizer (NPK = 888) at a rate of 500 lb/A, and use compost at a rate of 8,000 lb/A in volume. After each harvest, apply 150 lb/A ammonium sulfate as an additional fertilizer. Yield The average tip (average of 10 genotypes) yield is 11,000 lb/A (Villareal et al., 1982). Chemical Composition Sweetpotato roots and tops possess a variety of chemical compounds relevant to human health.

About 80 to 90 percent of sweetpotato dry matter is made up of carbohydrates, consisting mainly of starch and sugars with lesser amounts of pectins, hemicelluloses and cellulose. On average, starch constitutes 60 to 70 percent of the dry matter, but the proportion of starch to other carbohydrates varies greatly. Sweetpotato also contains protein (0.46% to 2.93%), dietary fiber (0.49% to 4.71%), lipid (0.06% to 0.48%) and ash (0.31% to 1.06%). It contains essential mineral nutrients such as Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Al Depending on varieties and growing conditions, sweetpotato leaves are comparable to spinach in nutrient content. The average mineral and vitamin content in a recently developed cultivar, Suioh, is 117 mg calcium, 1.8 mg iron, 3.5 mg carotene, 7.2 mg vitamin C, 1.6 mg vitamin E and 0.56 mg vitamin K/100 g fresh weight of leaves. Levels of iron, calcium and carotene rank among the top, as compared with other major vegetables.

Sweetpotato leaves are also rich in vitamin B, ßcarotene, iron, calcium, zinc and protein. Studies have shown that sweetpotato leaves contain as many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients as spinach. The content of these nutrients differs according to harvesting period and variety. Oxalic acid poses a problem when using sweetpotato leaves as food, but its content does not change greatly according to the harvesting time and is less than onefifth that of spinach. For these reasons, the use of sweetpotato leaves as a vegetable and for food processing should definitely be encouraged. As a crop, sweet potato is more tolerant of diseases, pests and high moisture than many other leafy vegetables grown in the tropics. Sweetpotato leaves are an excellent source of antioxidative polyphenolics, among them anthocyanins and phenolic acids such as caffeic, monocaffeoylquinic (chlorogenic), dicaffeoylquinic and tricaffeoylquinic acids, and are superior in this regard to other commercial vegetables (Ishiguro et al., 2004). Polyphenols Compositions Sweetpotato leaves represent at least 15 anthocyanin and 6 polyphenolic compounds. These biologically active compounds possess multifaceted action, including antioxidation, antimutagenicity, antiinflammation and anticarcinogenesis.

Sweet potato leaves contain more total polyphenols than any other commercial vegetables, including sweetpotato roots and potato tubers. Antioxidative and Antimutagenicity Cancers occur through such processes as initiation, promotion and progression in body cells. Initiation is a kind of mutation that occurs in cancer and anticancer genes. Thus, controlling the gene mutation brought about by the carcinogens leads to cancer prevention. Sweetpotato leaves are a good supplementary resource of antioxidants and antimutagenic compounds. An investigation was conducted to examine the effects of 82 kinds of vegetable juice and plant components on the division and multiplication of cancer cells, and it was found that sweetpotato has especially high cancer checking rates.

https://www.uapb.edu/sites/www/Uploads/SAFHS/FSA-6135.pdf

 

[China Connection]

Continued from above..................

AntiDiabetes The latter stage of noninsulindependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), one of the major diseases of adults, is caused by the decrease in the secretion of insulin by the pancreatic Langerhans cells. Prevention of NIDDM and inhibition of its serious side effects such as retinopathy, neuropathy and cataracts are important subjects for researchers. The current diabetes mellitus population in the United States is increasing and is estimated at more than 18 million persons. Diabetes contributes to the death of more than 213,000 Americans each year and is also a leading cause of heart disease, blindness and kidney failure. Foods with antidiabetic effect are desired for diet therapy. Several researchers report that sweetpotato leaves have antidiabetic compounds that reduce blood glucose content significantly in model rats. Antibacterial Activity Lyophilized sweetpotato leaf powder from the variety ‘Simon1’ strongly suppressed the growth of O157, and its effect was detectable even after autoclave treatment.


The antibacterial extract revealed that the main components were polysaccharides. Furthermore, the water extracted from the leaves suppressed effectively the growth of other foodpoisoning bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus as well as pathogenic E. coli.


Preparation of Sweetpotato Tops for Consumption Prepare sweetpotato tops by boiling, steaming or stirfrying to preserve nutrients. While cooking vegetables leads to slight nutrient losses, heat also helps activate some plant enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants. Get the most from your sweetpotato leaves by storing them properly and cooking them for short periods of time while reserving cooking liquids for later use. Food also loses vitamins to air, so use sweetpotatoes immediately for the best results. Choose sweetpotatoes with dark flesh and deep green leaves to get the most nutrients. Use a plastic bag with holes for ventilation, and refrigerate in the crisper drawer. Rinse and chop sweetpotato leaves into large chunks before cooking. Use a small amount of water to prevent nutrient loss. Keep the soft stems to enhance fiber content. Heat oil in a saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Add the greens and stir to coat with oil to prevent sticking. Add a small amount of water to the pot and stir briefly. Simmer just until the leaves wilt, approximately 5 to 7 minutes, depending on your altitude and type of sweetpotato leaves. Drink the fluids if you prefer, but wait until they cool to a comfortable temperature. Broth from sweetpotato greens is slightly bitter but also savory due to the leftover vegetable oil.

Eat the leaves immediately to get the most nutrients. Serve them over rice or whole grain pasta and with protein for a meal. Uses of Sweetpotato Sweetpotato has many uses in addition to that of a food crop. It is also an important industrial raw material for producing starch, sugar and alcohol. These processes produce wastes, and the cost of disposing of these wastes is a main cause of lowering profitability in food processing. In such circumstances, finding ways to reuse these wastes effectively is important. The Toyota Motor Company, in cooperation with Mitsui Company, has begun production of biodegradable plastics from sweetpotatoes. Toyota plans to replace nearly 30 percent of its plastic automobile parts with biodegradable ones within ten years. Toyota Motor Company also envisions its use in the future as an energy source, such as alcohol and hydrogen. This shows that sweetpotato is a crop with great potential. To exploit this potential further, largescale studies should be promoted on all related spheres from genetic resources to processing techniques.

People have a general belief that sweetpotato is good for maintaining and improving health. It contains vitamins, minerals and many other nutrients in favorable ratios. In the recent past, research has been conducted to determine healthpromoting functions of sweetpotato (Table 1). The following aspects of these functions are important when considering new uses of sweetpotato storage roots and leaves. Table 1. Certain health beneficial functions of sweetpotatoes (Islam et al., 2003, and Islam, 2006) Health Beneficial Function Components Antioxidative activity Polyphenol, vitamins, anthocyanin Reduction of liver injury Anthocyanin‚ ßcarotene Antimutagenicity Polyphenol, vitamins, anthocyanin Anticarcinogenesis Ganglioside Antihypertension Polyphenolics, vitamins, anthocyanin Antimicrobial activity Dietary fiber, polysaccharide Anti inflammation Dietary fiber Promotion of bowel movement Dietary fiber, jalapin Antidiabetic effect (WSSP) Acidic glycoprotein Anticaries effect Dietary fiber Ultraviolet protection effect Polyphenolics, vitamins Conclusions Sweetpotato leaves, served as a vegetable, may become Popeye’s new food de resistance. The leaves, which grow abundantly in poor soil, wet soil and rich soil, can be continuously cropped until the root vegetables are harvested. Some varieties of plants have naturally occurring phytochemicals that offer protection against certain dangerous diseases. Sweetpotato genotypes with tops with a high polyphenolic content and used as a vegetable, food ingredient and as a nutritional supplement promote good health. Sweetpotato leaves contain high concentrations of polyphenolics when compared with the major commercial vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage and lettuce. Thus, sweetpotatoes offer the possibility of adding greatly to the available food supply and to the available supply of bioactive compounds for human health. Sweetpotato leaves are a physiologically functional food that offers protection from diseases linked to oxidation such as cancer, allergies, aging, HIV and cardiovascular problems.

Sweetpotato leaves used as a vegetable, a tea, in noodles, in breads, in confectioneries and as a nutritional supplement can be a beneficial food source. Sweetpotato cultivars can be developed for multiple uses, especially for special nutritional purposes of protecting human health against the diseases mentioned above. Thus, the vegetable sweetpotato has the potential to become a new alternative crop. But to the processing segment, they offer more promise. The high level of phyto nutrients in sweetpotato leaves provides promise of a new food additive product for use as a functional food enhancer. Sweetpotato tops, able to survive adverse conditions, could serve as an additional leafy green vegetable. Acceptable sweetpotato tops should be tender, glabrous and purplish. Those eating sweetpotato tops prefer the top 4 inches (10 cm) of tips including both stem and leaves. These are the parts generally eaten in many countries. This preference for 4inch (10 cm) tops is logical, since a large proportion of the leaves in the top 10 cm are new and tender. Tips with the largest number of leaves with petioles less than 4/10 of an inch (1 cm) long are considered desirable because they are tender and good for the table.

Researchers and extension workers could help make this vegetable’s tops more appealing and acceptable. Therefore, with its tuberous roots, stems and leaves that can be consumed totally, sweetpotato is a crop that may solve food, energy, resource and environmental problems in the 21st century. References Ishiguro, K., J. Toyama, S. Islam, M. Yoshimoto, T. Kumagai, Y. Kai and O. Yamakawa. 2004. “Suioh, A New Sweetpotato Cultivar for Utilization in Vegetable Greens,” Acta Hortic 637:339345. Islam, S., Y. Yoshimoto and O. Yamakawa. 2003. “Distribution and Physiological Function of Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivatives in Sweetpotato Genotypes,” J. Food Sci. 68:111116. Islam, S. 2006. “Sweetpotato Leaf: Its Potential Effect on Human Health and Nutrition,” J. Food Sci. 71:R13R21. Villareal, R. L., S. C. Tsou, H. F. Lo and S. C. Chiu. 1982. “Sweetpotato Tips as Vegetables” in R. L. Villareal and T. D. Griggs (eds.). “SweetPotato.” Proceedings of the First International Symposium, AVRDC, Shanhua, Taiwan, pp. 313320. Woolfe, J. A. 1992. Sweetpotato. An Untapped Food Resource, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K., pp. 118187. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commi

 

[China Connection]

Can you eat sweet potato leaves?
Introduce this leafy green into your diet. - by Rhys McKay

You may know sweet potatoes as those delicious, vitamin-packed veggies that can be used as a substitute for potatoes and other fattening carbs. However, not too many people are aware that sweet potato leaves also carry a lot of health benefits and can be eaten in myriad ways. Yes, every part of this amazing vegetable is not only edible - but healthy too.
RELATED: 3 ways to grow watercress at home
What is a sweet potato?
The sweet potato is a popular starchy, root vegetable packed with fibre, antioxidants, vitamins like Vitamin B, C, and A, and minerals like iron, selenium, and calcium. Most commonly confused with the dry yam, the sweet potato has a moist flesh which can vary in colour – from white to orange, and even purple.
Of all the potato varieties, the sweet potato is the easiest crop to grow. Aside from its year-round availability, it also doesn’t need much maintenance and harvest is usually abundant. The vine thrives in tropical weather, needing around five to six months of warm weather to grow.


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Can you eat sweet potato leaves?
Yes. Sweet potato plants are typically grown for their sweet tubers, but the leaves are great too. These edible leaves – scientifically called Ipomoea Batatas – contain high dietary fibre and can be absolutely delicious.
In some cultures, sweet potato greens can even be applied topically by crushing its leaves and incorporating it into ointments to treat rashes and skin irritations caused by poisonous plants and insect bites. It is also believed that boiling the leaves and drinking the resulting infused tea can aid in reducing appetite and treat metabolic issues.
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Some of the #perennials that I'm growing in #myfoodforest. From left to right: #katuk #talinum #moringa & two types of #sweetpotatoleaves. All will go in today's soup together with beans, ginger & turmeric that all came from #mygardentoday!
Health benefits of sweet potato greens
In a study done by the Louisiana State Agricultural Center, it was found that the leaves provide vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Thiamine, Niacin, Zinc, Folic Acid, Calcium, Riboflavin, Iron, Vitamin K, B-Carotene, B6, and Protein.
Here’s how these essential components provide nutrition to one’s body:
Heart health
The presence of Vitamin K in the root crop leaves helps in preventing calcification in the arteries of hard deposits, which causes heart attacks. It also aids in reducing inflammation of cells lining the blood vessels.
Improved eyesight and healing properties
Vitamin A has multiple health benefits, including vision health enhancement, anti-inflammatory properties, and skin regrowth, to name a few.
Vitamin A is also capable of lowering inflammation, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and the chances of neurodegenerative diseases.
Lastly, having the right dosage of vitamin A promotes healthier skin due to the production of collagen to counteract fine lines and wrinkles.
Bone density
In Health Benefits Times, it is mentioned that aside from a healthy heart, the vitamin K in this leafy green is also able to keep the calcium on bones, reducing the risk of bone loss (osteoporosis) and bone fractures, especially in postmenstrual women.
How to cook sweet potato leaves
Raw: Sweet potato leaves can either be consumed raw or cooked. Eating the leaves in its purest, raw form can leave a slight bitterness to the palate while cooking it will release a mild, sweet taste similar to spinach. Whether you decide to add it to a fresh salad or incorporate it into a green smoothie, sweet potato leaves can surely help you add essential nutrients into your diet.
Here are two healthy salad recipes using raw sweet potato leaves:

1. Apron and Sneakers - Sweet Potato Leaves Salad
2. Nourishing Days - Sweet Potato Green Salad with Tomato and Onion

SaveSweet Potato Leaves Salad (Talbos ng Camote Salad)apronandsneakers.comSweet Potato Leaves Salad (Talbos ng Camote Salad)
Cooked: While cooking greens results in some vitamin-loss, heat can actually activate certain nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes.
You can use sweet potato leaves as a substitute for spinach. The leaves can be paired with fish sauce, aromatics like garlic, ginger, and onion, shrimp paste, and meats.
Get inspired by these tasty recipes:

1. The Woks of Life - Yam Leaves, Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Leaves
2. Hungry Go Where - Sweet Potato Leaves In Coconut Milk
3. Nyonya Cooking - Easy Vegetable Chinese Stir Fry
4. Noob Cook - Sambal Sweet Potato Leaf
5. Hadia’s Lebanese Cuisine - Sweet Potato Leaf Stew

SaveYam Leaves, Stir-Fried Sweet Potato LeavesThe Woks of LifeYam leaves or sweet potato leaves are a healthy, delicious, under-rated vegetable that you can find at more and more Asian grocery stores these days. Here's how to prepare your own stir fried yam leaves (炒地瓜苗).

Can you eat sweet potato leaves?

Sweet potato is a healthy addition to any diet – but did you also know that its leaves have surprising health properties as well? Don’t waste any more nutrients by throwing away these (often overlooked) leafy greens. Find out how to make use of sweet potato leaves in this article.

www.bhg.com.au

 

[China Connection]

Where I live the leaves don't die off during the winter.

I have enough leaves to sink a battleship.

When they start coming over the fence looking for food we will all be eating leaves etc.

 

[bluelady]

I've had good luck growing leaves in jars on the windowsill. I put them in smoothies & stir-fry, and dehydrate them to put in greens powder. I never thought of tea, but I will try it! Although we're too far north I may try them in the ground this year to get more leaves; we're trying to do Keto so I won't worry about the potato part anyway (although we love them!).

 

[China Connection]

When you combine the leaves with the sweet-potatoes themselves you are getting a lot of health benefits.


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15 Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes, According to Science
March 18, 2017/in Health
Sweet potatoes are nutritious and delicious root vegetables. The sweet potato is creamy and soft enough to be an ingredient in several pie recipes, and most people think of the vegetable as merely a dessert ingredient. However, scientists have found that sweet potatoes are among the best sources of Vitamin A (1). Sweet potatoes are also naturally packed with vitamin B5, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and carotenoids due to their naturally orange color.
The sweet potato, also known as the Ipomoea batatas, not only contains many nutrients, but it is also packed with medicinal benefits. Scientists have determined that sweet potatoes contain anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties (2). Most sweet potatoes are orange in color, but there are others that come in purple, yellow, white, pink, and red. The following are some of the health benefits that you can accrue from including sweet potatoes in our regular diet.

1. Sweet potatoes help prevent Vitamin A deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency is a serious issue especially in developing nations around the world. The health repercussions of a vitamin A deficiency are grave and can include decreased resistance to infectious disease, increase in infectious morbidity, dry eyes as well increased mortality for both pregnant and lactating women and their children (3).
Sweet potatoes are an extremely important source of Vitamin A because they contain high levels of beta-carotene (4, 5). Beta-carotene is transformed into vitamin A in our livers, with every molecule of beta-carotene producing two molecules of Vitamin A (6).
Bottom Line: Sweet potatoes are a natural and abundant source of beta-carotene and Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential in helping the body fight off infections, and remain resistant to any further infections.

1. Sweet potatoes can also help manage diabetes

Sweet potatoes are categorized as low to high on the glycemic index scale, and several studies have indicated that it can minimize the occurrence of insulin resistance and low blood sugar levels, as well as high blood sugar in people who are suffering from diabetes (7).
Their relatively low glycemic index means that the sweet potatoes release sugar into the bloodstream slowly, unlike other starchy foods. This steady release of sugar is what aids in controlling the blood sugar levels of individuals so that it does not go low or high. Thus, the sweet potatoes can be used in the regulation of blood sugar levels especially in people with diabetes. This regulation is witnessed in both types of diabetes, i.e. type I and type II.
Studies into the varieties of sweet potatoes have revealed that the Beauregard is the most effective sweet potato variant when it comes to blood glucose regulation (7). In addition, the variant has been shown to have similar protein patterns to Caiapo, which is an extract from white sweet potatoes. Caiapo has been documented as improving the glucose and cholesterol levels of individuals with type II diabetes, and is thus used as dietary management of this disease (8).
The fiber in the sweet potato is also hypothesized to be beneficial for diabetes management. The sweet potato is a high fiber food, which has been shown to lower the blood sugar levels of individuals suffering from type I diabetics (9). 10-15% of the fiber in a sweet potato consists of soluble fibers such as pectin, which are effective in reducing food consumption and spikes in blood sugar (10).
Approximately 77% of the fibers in sweet potatoes are insoluble, and the have their own role to play in the fight against diabetes. Insoluble fibers are essential in promoting insulin sensitivity, which then helps in regulating the amount of sugar in the blood (11, 12).
Furthermore, sweet potatoes are an important source of magnesium, which has also been shown to minimize the risk of individuals developing type II diabetes (12).
Bottom Line: Sweet potatoes contain essential fibers and magnesium that are critical in the prevention and management of diabetes. The vegetables also have a moderately low glycemic index that also aids in the regulation of blood glucose levels.

1. Sweet potatoes can help manage stress levels

Sweet potatoes contain a significant amount of magnesium, which is an essential mineral for normal body functioning (13) . One of the most important benefits of magnesium is that it helps reduce stress and anxiety (14). Studies have shown that an increase in magnesium deficiency in modern diets has resulted in a significant increase in the cases of depression reported across the world (15, 16, 17). For instance, some controlled studies have indicated that magnesium deficiency increases depression in women experiencing premenstrual symptoms (16, 17).
Magnesium deficiency and depression are linked because they both feature cell-mediated immune responses and bodywide inflammation. Studies done on animal models have shown that an increase in magnesium intake protects the brain from anxiety and/or depression after a traumatic injury (14). Furthermore, studies on animal models have shown that a decrease in magnesium will result in an increase in anxiety-related behaviors as well as depression in mice (18).
In addition, magnesium has been found to reduce insomnia in older individuals (19). Insomnia is a trigger for stress, depression, and anxiety, which is unfortunate as more than 50% of elderly people suffer from some form of lack of sleep.
Bottom Line: Sweet potatoes are an important source of magnesium, whose deficiency has been reported to be linked with a higher risk of depression, stress and anxiety. Thus, sweet potatoes can replenish the body’s magnesium levels and help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety-related behaviors in individuals.

1. Sweet potatoes contain anti-inflammatory activity

Sweet potatoes contain a significant amount of vitamins, most of which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Studies carried out on the purple sweet potato have conclusively shown that the extracts from the vegetable variant had the capability of inhibiting the production of active inflammatory components in the body (21).
Furthermore, sweet potatoes have a high concentration of choline, which is a very versatile nutrient. One of the main benefits of choline is that it reduces inflammatory responses in the body resulting in less inflammation (22). Studies on animal models have shown that choline is effective in therapeutically restraining incidences of systemic inflammation in the body (23).
Other studies have indicated that extracts from the purple sweet potato contained anthocyanins, which proved essential in reducing and preventing inflammation in colon cancer cells as well the reduction of cell proliferation in specific cancer cells (24).
Bottom Line: The presence of anthocyanins and choline in sweet potatoes make the vegetables an essential dietary source in the prevention and reduction of chronic inflammation in the body.

1. Sweet potatoes can help protect/prevent/manage cancer

Studies have also shown that the purple-fleshed sweet potato is especially effective in the fight against cancer (21). This variation of the sweet potato has elements that are able to inhibit growth of specific cancers that include breast cancer, gastric cancer, and colon cancer by inducing the cell death of these cancer cells. The vegetable’s high anthocyanin content is believed to be the reason behind the sweet potato’s anti-cancer activity when it comes to gastric and breast cancers (20).
Other studies have conclusively shown that extracts from different parts of the sweet potato can also induce cell death in prostate cancer cells, ensuring that the cancer does not grow and spread to other parts of the prostate (20). Scientists have concluded that the anti-cancer activity of sweet potatoes when it comes to controlling prostate cancer is due to their high polyphenol content.
The presence of carotenoids such as beta-carotene in sweet potatoes has also been reported as having a significant effect on reducing the risk of men becoming afflicted with prostate cancer (25).
Beta-carotene has also been found to be effective in preventing and reducing the risks of individuals developing colorectal cancer (26, 27).
Bottom line: Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, a carotenoid, which is essential in protecting men from developing prostate cancer. In addition, extracts from different parts of sweet potatoes have been shown to accelerate the death of breast, gastric, colorectal, and prostate cancers, limiting the growth and spread of these cancers.

1. Sweet potatoes can help guard against ulcers

An ulcer occurs when an inflamed tissue is shed from the mucous membrane or from the skin, and it can be quite painful. Studies on animal models have shown that the methanol extract from the root of a sweet potato can protect the gastrointestinal tissues from aspirin-induced ulcers (28). The results of these studies have proved that the sweet potatoes can be used in the treatment and management of peptic ulcers.
Another study showed that the flour in the roots of the sweet potatoes helped in the prevention of ethanol-related ulceration in the stomach in animal models (29). The flour from the vegetable is reported to suppress gastric ulceration b reducing swelling in the surrounding tissues, and protecting the gastric wrinkles.
In addition, extracts from the vegetable have been shown to have free radical scavengers, which are important in the healing of wounds inside the body.
Bottom Line: Studies on the extracts from sweet potatoes have shown that the vegetable has chemicals that can help heal wounds and ulcers in the stomach. Thus, dietary consumption of sweet potatoes can be an effective treatment plan against major types of ulcers including ethanol and aspirin-induced ulcers.

1. Sweet potatoes can help in minimizing the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Oxidation in the body results in complications such as atherosclerosis, which in turn can lead to the development of a number of cardiovascular diseases. Leaf extracts from sweet potatoes were tested and scientists found that the high levels of polyphenols in the leaf extracts were able to suppress oxidation in humans, decreasing the chances of development of cardiovascular disease (30)
Scientists believe that the leaves of the vegetable have considerable antioxidant properties because of their relatively high levels of radical scavenging activity, as well as a high amount of polyphenol compounds. The scavenging activity and the high levels of polyphenols contribute to its antioxidant properties and help in minimizing the risk of one developing a cardiovascular disease.
Other scientific studies have shown that the high levels of anthocyanin in the purple-fleshed sweet potato contributed to the vegetable’s ability to reduce the chances of coronary disease (31).
In addition, sweet potatoes contain soluble dietary fibers, which have been strongly linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (32).
Bottom Line: The fibers, anthocyanin, polyphenols, and high radical scavenging activity contained in sweet potatoes are all important in the fight against cardiovascular diseases

 

[China Connection]

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1. Sweet potatoes contain antimicrobial properties

Despite the fact that studies on the antimicrobial properties of sweet potatoes are limited, a number of scientific reports have concluded that the sweet potato does have some level of antimicrobial activity (20). Some studies have found that the ethanol and acetone extracts from sweet potato leaves possess antimicrobial properties against bacteria that cause pneumonia, and typhoid (33).
The fiber in sweet potatoes has also been documented to inhibit the growth of foodborne bacteria.
Other studies have found that sweet potato leaf powder, and its water, ethanol, and peptone extracts possess antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi, E.coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (34).
Bottom line: Sweet potatoes and their extracts possess antimicrobial activities, which can be used in the prevention and treatment of a variety of bacterial pathogens and infections.

1. Sweet potatoes can help improve hair and skin

As mentioned above, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A (1, 4). The vegetables are also rich in Vitamin C (35) and Vitamin E (36).
Studies have shown that dietary consumption or supplementation of Vitamin E has the potential of significantly increasing hair numbers in individuals who are suffering from hair loss (37). This is because Vitamin E contains antioxidant properties that help reduce oxidative stress, a major cause of alopecia.
Vitamin C has been known to be an effective dermatological treatment that can be used in the treatment of photoaging and hyperpigmentation (38). Vitamin C is also effective at neutralizing the oxidative stress caused by exposure to UV light. In addition, the combination of Vitamin C and E can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer in individuals. Vitamin C is also essential in the synthesis of collagen, which is the main structural protein of the skin. A number of studies have also shown that Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties. This means that the vitamin can help manage skin diseases such as acne, as well as promoting healing of wounds on the skin.
Vitamin A has been proven to be effective in the treatment and management of sun-damaged skin (39). In addition, the studies have shown that the vitamin is also effective in the treatment of skin cancer along with chemotherapy, and other treatment solutions (40).
Other studies have shown that Vitamin A is an effective stimulant of collagen, making it useful in decreasing the rate of natural cell aging as well as inhibiting photoaging of our skin (41).
Bottom Line: Sweet potatoes contain high levels of Vitamin A, C, and E, all of which are useful in the promotion of proper skin and hair health. These vitamins are useful in repairing skin that is damaged due to exposure to UV light. The vitamins also slow down the cell aging process in the skin helping you retain a youthful look for longer. In addition, vitamin E is especially useful in the prevention and treatment of alopecia, and maintaining good hair health.

1. Sweet potatoes are good for digestion

Sweet potatoes contain large amounts of fibers, which have long been known for improving the health of the gut as well as digestion (32). Many laxatives in use today are made from fibers, meaning that consumption of sweet potatoes can increase your intake of fibers needed to promote proper digestion. The high fiber content of the sweet potatoes can also aid in preventing constipation in both children and adults.
Bottom line: Sweet potatoes contain significantly high amounts of fibers, which are essential in promoting a well-functioning digestive tract, as well as preventing constipation.

1. Sweet potatoes can help in regulating blood pressure

Sweet potatoes can help in controlling blood pressure because they are rich in both magnesium and potassium. Studies have shown that a higher intake of potassium results in a decrease in blood pressure (42), which then significantly reduces the chance of an individual developing a stroke or a coronary problem.
Magnesium is also considered an effective dietary component in the prevention of hypertension, as well as its reduction in both pregnant and non-pregnant patients (43). In addition, other studies have found that magnesium deficiency in the body increases the risk factors for the development of hypertension (44).
Bottom Line: Sweet potatoes contain considerable amounts of both magnesium and potassium, both of which are essential in the fight against hypertension. They also help regulate the blood pressure, which reduces the chances of individuals suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

1. Sweet potatoes can boost fertility

The high doses of Vitamin A in sweet potatoes makes the vegetable ideal for consumption by women of childbearing age to enhance their fertility. Studies on animal models have shown that Vitamin A plays an integral role in improving reproductive performance (45). Research has also shown that a deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to secondary infertility in women of childbearing age (46).
Sweet potatoes also contain a healthy dose of iron (47), which is a crucial mineral in promoting fertility in women of childbearing age. Reports indicate that anaemia, or iron deficiency, is a cause of infertility among women (48). These reports have shown that treating the iron deficiency by increasing dietary intake of iron usually results in women being able to conceive a few months to a year after the treatment. Other studies have found that an increase in dietary iron intake reduces the risk of ovulatory infertility (49).
Bottom Line: Iron is essential in the promotion of fertility amongst women. An important source of dietary iron is sweet potatoes. Studies have shown that an increase in dietary intake of iron from food sources such as sweet potatoes can help reverse secondary fertility, as well as reduce the chances of women ending up suffering from ovulatory infertility.
In addition, sweet potatoes contain high doses of vitamin A, which is essential in improving reproductive performance in women of childbearing age.

1. Sweet potatoes are important for good vision

Sweet potatoes contain a lot of vitamin A, and most of us know that vitamin A is good for our vision, but we may not know in exactly which way the vitamin improves our vision. Studies have shown that the vitamin is essential in the formation of the pigments responsible for light absorption (50). In addition, vitamin A is also essential in maintaining the proper structure of the retina. A deficiency of vitamin A can result in poor vision, and in some instances blindness. Deficiency in the vitamin can also lead to night blindness (51, 52).
Furthermore, other eye diseases including the dryness of the cornea, the ulceration of the cornea, and conjunctiva, have also been linked to a deficiency in vitamin A (52).
Sweet potatoes are also a significant source of both Vitamin C and E. A study carried out in India showed that there was a significant relationship between Vitamin C deficiency and the development of cataracts (53). Other studies have found that both vitamin C and E could be effective in the fight against oxidative stress, which most often leads to eye cataracts (54, 55).
Bottom Line: Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of vitamin A, C, and E, all of which are integral in promoting good vision. Deficiency of vitamin A results in night blindness, total blindness, as well as malformation of the retina. Deficiency in vitamin C is mostly associated with the development of cataracts.

1. Sweet potatoes can help in weight management

Sweet potatoes contain soluble and fermentable fiber that increase satiety and offers the body a natural, self-sustaining mechanism for body weight regulation (56). Studies have shown that one of the major soluble dietary fibers in sweet potatoes, pectin, is effective at reducing food intake , reducing weight gain, and also increasing the activity of satiety hormones in the body.
Scientific studies have also shown that a higher intake of fibers is strongly correlated to reduced body weight (32). An increase in consumption of sweet potatoes will result in an increase in fiber intake, which will in turn, lead to a lower body weight.
Bottom line: The fiber in sweet potatoes can help in maintaining satiety, as well as reducing the overall weight of an individual. The more full you feel throughout the day, the less you will snack, which will help you manage your weight effectively.

1. Sweet potatoes are also memory-enhancing foods

Studies have shown that the anthocyanin contained in the purple sweet potato possess memory enhancing properties (57). The underlying belief here is that the antioxidant properties of the anthocyanins are what make sweet potatoes memory enhancing agents.
Bottom Line: Consuming sweet potatoes regularly can help enhance your memory.

This article was republished here with permission by Jen Reviews. For five tasty and healthy sweet potato recipes, click here!

15 Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes, According to Science – La Canada Care Center

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[China Connection]

How to Grow Sweet Potato in Containers or Pots


About 10 minutes long

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7UiVtlZsUo





Self Sufficient Me

In this video, I show you how to grow sweet potato in containers or pots. Growing sweet potato in containers is particularly useful for small spaces such as a balcony garden but can also allow for the plant to be moved to warmer locations in cooler climates.