For a delicious and healthy dish, consider using the skin of sweet potatoes. It contains nutrients that are important to your health, such as beta-carotene and Omega 3 fatty acids.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte and a necessary mineral for the sweet potato plant. It helps regulate muscle contraction, fluid balance, and nerve signals. It is also important for maintaining cardiovascular health. Moreover, potassium lowers blood pressure and reduces the strain on the heart.
Several plant species depend on macroelements to develop their tuber roots. K is the most important nutrient for sweet potatoes, but the high levels of Mg and Ca might compete with it. However, increasing K fertilization might improve potato skin quality and vigor.
A study was conducted to determine the effects of polyhalite and KCl on the skin of storage roots of sweet potato. After a preplanting application of KCl at 350 kg ha-1, SRs were harvested 150 days after planting.
The morphology of SR skin was characterized by phellem cells that were arranged in columns. The number of phellem cells was greater in soils with more phellem layers, but it was not significantly affected by the addition of K.
Two genetic markers were tested in the SR skin, namely, ORGAN-SPECIFIC PROTEIN S2 (OSP) and CYP86A33. In mature skin, suberin-related genes were significantly increased. This suggests that postharvest curing enhances the protection of SRs.
As a result, postharvest curing improves skin adhesion to parenchymatic layers and reinforces the skin tissue. Furthermore, this increases suberization of phellem cells. Hence, it is possible that higher quality SRs could promote mechanization of harvest and longer transport of the plant.
Skinning injuries are the result of phellogen cell wall fracture. The damage may affect the growth and development of the potato plant, thus limiting the yield. Thus, the quality of a sweet potato’s skin is important for reducing injury.
A broader understanding of the relationship between the morphology of SR skin and the genes involved in its formation is essential for developing a more effective and sustainable approach to sweet potato cultivation.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is a naturally occurring plant pigment. It is an antioxidant and helps prevent certain types of cancer. It also supports eye health. A deficiency in this vitamin has been associated with age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Many studies have shown that diets rich in beta-carotene reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In addition, studies have shown that dietary fiber can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. These nutrients are also important for maintaining a healthy digestive tract and immune system.
Sweet potatoes contain a lot of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for the growth and development of cells. Also, beta-carotene helps to protect the eyes from inflammation and dryness. Moreover, it promotes lung health.
Several varieties of sweet potato, including white, yellow, purple, and orange, are sources of beta-carotene. Some of the varieties are better at retaining the nutrient than others. The best way to ensure that the nutrient is not lost is to cook them with the skin still intact.
Beta-carotene is best absorbed when it is combined with fat. However, the amount of beta-carotene in sweet potatoes is not comparable to that found in carrots. Nevertheless, limiting the cooking time can help retain up to 92% of the nutrient.
In addition to the beneficial effects of beta-carotene, this vegetable is a good source of vitamins B1 (thiamin), C, and E. They are a good source of fiber and are low in calories. Lastly, sweet potatoes are a great source of phosphorus and calcium.
Although there is no direct link between carotenoids and vision loss, some studies have suggested that they may reduce the risk of cellular damage. Cell damage is a contributing factor to premature skin aging.
Vitamin C
The skin of sweet potatoes contains many antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial to the body because they fight free radicals and prevent cell damage. They also protect the cardiovascular system. In addition, they help reduce the risk of diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, and cancer.
Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps promote healthy vision. It is also associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer in men. Increasing your intake of beta-carotene can help you to reduce inflammation and improve night vision. Adding fat to your diet may also increase the absorption of beta-carotene.
Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that is necessary for the growth and development of the human body. It also plays a critical role in the immune system. Research has shown that low levels of vitamin A can contribute to poor night vision. This is because it stimulates white blood cells.
Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A. Vitamin A is required for healthy skin and helps maintain the health of the eyes. It also helps to keep the cells in the retina healthy and function properly.
Several other nutrients are found in sweet potatoes. These include manganese, which plays an important role in blood clotting. Also, potassium is needed for various processes in the body. If you cook a sweet potato with the skin on, it will retain more of the nutrient.
Riboflavin is an essential component of FAD. The skin of a sweetpotato contains the highest amount of riboflavin. However, there has not been much research on riboflavin content in sweetpotato root tissues.
Thiamin is a coenzyme involved in many metabolic reactions. Thiamin content is generally higher in the central pith area of sweetpotato. Similarly, thiamin was more concentrated near the center of the skin.
Anthocyanins
Purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) contains phenolic compounds and antioxidants, which help protect human health. Anthocyanins are natural food colourings and they are found in a variety of fruits, including red grapes, red cabbage, and red cabbage. They have been shown to have neuroprotective and anti-cancer properties.
The anthocyanins in purple sweet potato are mainly in the form of di-acylated anthocyanins. This type of anthocyanins shows high colour stability and has good strength. Other varieties of purple sweet potatoes have been found to have anthocyanin content between two and six g/kg dw.
Several studies have been conducted to analyze the effects of anthocyanins in purple sweet potatoes. One of the aims was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of purple sweet potato anthocyanins. In this study, antioxidant properties were assessed by evaluating the activity of antioxidants in anthocyanins and measuring the linoleic acid autoxidation inhibition activity.
Researchers also studied the effects of peonidin-based anthocyanin monomers on probiotics in vitro. These antioxidants have antibacterial activity and can inhibit proliferation of S. aureus in the intestine. Moreover, they have prebiotic activities.
Some researchers have also investigated anthocyanins’ bioavailability. They find that anthocyanins are not readily absorbed. However, they can be converted to a more stable form in low pH conditions. Another study found that anthocyanins repress signaling pathways associated with inflammation.
Peonidin-based anthocyanins have shown strong antioxidant and prebiotic properties. They can be used as a functional food, a pharmaceutical, and an antibacterial source. Moreover, they may be a natural probiotic source.
Among purple-fleshed sweet potatoes, the P40 clone has a large number of anthocyanins. This clone has a high antioxidant capacity and its anthocyanin content was 7.5 mg/g. It also had a higher soluble dietary fiber content than the O’Henry clone.
Omega 3’s
Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants. These nutrients can help fight cancer and prevent disease. They also may enhance immunity.
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A, C, and E. In addition, they are a rich source of beta carotene, a provitamin that is converted into vitamin A in the body.
Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant that may be helpful in preventing age-related macular degeneration. The vitamin has also been shown to protect the skin and promote healthy vision.
Antioxidants can protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. Research shows that high levels of free radicals may increase the risk of some conditions. This is why it is important to include these in your diet.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber. Fiber can promote regularity and maintain a healthy digestive tract. It also helps keep blood glucose levels normal.
Sweet potatoes are considered a superfood because of their high antioxidant content. Studies show that they can help protect against sun damage. Moreover, they can help keep the skin supple.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of protein, as well. Some studies suggest that the anthocyanins in sweet potatoes provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Other studies suggest that nutrients in these vegetables may aid in the prevention of wrinkles.
Another study has suggested that the purple color of sweet potatoes may reduce the risk of obesity. However, this study did not provide a clear explanation for the effect.
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of a healthy diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish like tuna and salmon, as well as chia seeds. Hemp seeds and flaxseed are two other foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
