#BlogchatterA2Z2023challenge

 Saluting the Sweet Potato

The sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas) is a sweet and starchy,  tuber belonging to the Morning Glory family of plants hat that varies in size and colour which include orange, white and purple. It is different from a potato which belongs to the Nightshade family of plants. 

Sweet Potato is native to the tropical regions of America, the Caribbean islands, the warmer islands of the Pacific, Japan and parts of Russia. In Japan, the crop has long been grown for the manufacture of starch and alcohol. Sweet Potatoes grew in Peru, as early as 750 BC. Native Americans were growing sweet potatoes in 1492 when Columbus landed in America. Sweet Potato is grown in the Northern and Eastern states of India namely, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chattisgarh, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. 

Health Benefits of sweet potato:

• Sweet Potatoes are high in beta -carotene which gets converted into vitamin which in turn supports vision, immunity and embryonic growth
• Sweet potatoes are said to reduce the risk of inflammation-related diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. 
• The fibre and antioxidants present in sweet potatoes promote the growth of good gut bacteria, thereby improving gut health. 

On your plate: 

This fleshy root can be boiled, steamed, sauteed, baked or even served as a vegetable.

Sweet Potatoes can also be turned into tasty desserts or you could even enjoy a bowl of tasty and nutrient-dense sweet potato soup. 

As always, partake of this tuber, only if it agrees with you. Consult your health care provider. 

This post is part of the BlogchatterA2Z2023 challenge.