Easily spotted in stalls by its irregular shape. The skin is quite thin and of purple-brownish hue and the flesh may be white, yellow or orange, depending on the variety. Native of Central America, the sweet potato is believed to have been brought to Europe by the Spanish , in the 16th century, and is as ancient in Portugal as the potato, the most famous being the sweet potato from Algezur, where it finds the ideal climate conditions for cultivation. It can be consumed boiled or roasted, in replacement of regular potato, rice or pasta, but also in purees, cakes, biscuits and other sweet dishes. Note that: It is one of the vegetable sources richest in vitamin A; The presence of vitamin A, as well as anthocyanins (responsible for the orange and purple hues), make it a food of high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential; Has a low energy level: about 76 kcal per 100 g; It is also rich in fibre, vitamin C and magnesium; It is always consumed cooked. Steamed or roasted, with the skin, are the best ways to preserve its nutrients. Potato or sweet potato, which one “prevails”? In recent years, the sweet potato entered the top of preferences , to the detriment of the potato, for weight loss diets or athletes food programmes, due to its high content of soluble fibre (the double), which helps generating more energy during training, and contributes to fat burning and muscle mass gaining. However, the nutritionists are unanimous in considering both potatoes as healthy and nutritious . The best is to use both, in a varied and balanced diet. A few practical advice Like other seasonal foods, it is preferable to consume the sweet potato in its harvest season (October and November). The sweet potato can be consumed with or without the skin, which is quite thin, but usually comes covered in dirt – therefore, it should be thoroughly washed, when the recipe includes the skin. Make sure to buy the sweet potato whole and with intact skin. At home, it can be kept just like the other potatoes: out of the fridge, in a dry and relatively cool place, away from light. If the room temperature is high, it could germinate and ferment, becoming unfit for consumption. Sources: PNPAS (Programa Nacional de Promoção da Alimentação Saudável) Health Essentials (Cleveland Clinic) – “ Potato or Sweet Potato: Which Is Healthier? ” Healthline - 6 Surprising Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes Read the suggestions by our nutritionists Alexandra Lima , Cristina Vieira Cunha , Maria Inês Cardoso , Mónica Santos , Paula Claudina , Raquel Barbosa and Simone Fernandes . Meet the nutrition clinical team from Hospital da Luz network.
