Sweet potato is a tropical plant packed with a powerful nutritional punch. Its leaves are hairless and heart-shaped with an olive-green color. The leaves are generally consumed in the Islands of Pacific Ocean, Africa, and Asia. Results of several studies found out that the young and mature leaves of sweet potatoes have various health benefits.
According to nutritionists, the leaves of sweet potato are great sources of antioxidants, riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin A, B, C, E and K, thiamin, calcium, iron, carotene, folic acid, and protein.
Consider the following explanation about the sweet potatoes leaves health benefits.
Helps In Dealing With Pain During Menstruation
Found in the leaves are generous amounts of vitamin K which help regulate the hormone function that lowers the pain of PMS cramps and menstrual pains. A body with a deficient amount of vitamin K may experience worsening symptoms.
Helps Treat Inflammation
The leaves are rich in good vitamins and proteins that help us overcome various inflammations, thereby restoring our body’s health. It has powerful antioxidants that protect the cells and tissues.
Brain Health
According to studies, vitamin K, which is present in the sweet potato leaves, has anti-inflammatory properties which protect the brain against oxidative stress that damages the cells and may cause Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and heart failure.
Helps Maintain Eye Health
Good amounts of carotene are present in sweet potato leaves. Carotene is needed to keep our eyes in good health. By consuming the leaves, we’ll be able to help our eye function at its best.
Maintains Heart Health
The magical leaves have dietary fibers that help with anxiety and stress, regulate blood flow, lower blood pressure, and prevent fat deposition in arteries and veins.
Potent Painkiller
According to Patrick Mutagubya, a nutritionist in Wakiso, sweet potato leaves are natural painkillers. Thanks to its high amounts of beta carotene which is an anti-inflammatory. To reap this benefit, we need to steam or make juice out of the leaves and then consume it.
Helps Treat Sore Throat
Sore throat is caused by bacterial infections that attack the throat. This can affect the way we eat. Consumption of warm water from sweet potato decoction can help provide some relief.
Helps Treat Cough and Cold
The leaves of sweet potatoes contain vitamins that are beneficial for those suffering from cough and runny nose.
Healthy Skin And Hair
Vitamin A is aids in the healing of wounds and re-growth of the skin by assisting the epithelial cells externally and internally. Aside from this, it also helps in the formation of glycoproteins and binds the cells together for the formation of soft tissues.
With sufficient levels of vitamin A, we can fight off acne, keep wrinkles and line at bay, and promotes healthy skin and hair.
Overcome Worms in Children
Symptoms and signs of intestinal worms often occur in children. One way to handle this condition is by boiling the leaves and consume the water regularly.
Regulates Blood Glucose Levels
The leaves of sweet potato are very good blood sugar regulator which is suitable for diabetic consumption. It can help stabilize and lower insulin resistance.
How To Eat Sweet Potato Leaves
- Boil or fry sweet potato leaves and eat them as a side dish.
- Steam the leaves and mix them with other ingredients like garlic in order to attain the required nutrients.
- Mix the raw leaves in salads.
- Stir-fry your sweet potato leaves with fresh ginger, sesame oil, and lemon juice
