MEDICINAL VALUES OF SWEET POTATO
Control Of Diabetes
Sweet potato has a low glycemic index (that means they release sugar slowly into the bloodstream) Sweet potato unlike other starchy food that elevate sugar level rapidly after they are consumed due to their metabolism into sugar will help steady the levels of blood sugar. According to American Diabetes Association (AMA) “sweet potatoes are considered super food for diabetics.” they have been shown to stabilize blood-sugar level by lowering insulin resistance. They contain a high amount of fiber, which also helps to reduce bad Low Density Level cholesterol in the body. Studies has shown that apart from the low glycemic index and high fiber content, sweet potato also increases adiponectin (adiponectin is a protein found in humans which is involved in the regulation of glucose level and break down of fatty acid) in people with type 2 diabetes.
Dr John Allen, ALS professor of food science; Dr. van den truong, USDA-ARS food scientist and assistant professor of food science at N.C State and Dr Masood Butt from the University of Agriculture Pakistan conducted a study that confirms the recognized low glycemic index of sweet potato. Sweet potato proteins contain numerous nutraceutical properties. An extract from white-skin sweet potato cultivar which is marketed as an antidiabetic supplement has been shown to lower fasting blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity in type2 diabetics (Ludvik et al. 2003, Kusano et al 2005). Amylase inhibitors have also been identified in sweet potato, the amylase inhibitory activities varies by cultivar (Rekha et al. 1999). These amylase inhibitors are known to have positive impact on diabetes management and weight control due to their ability to slow or reduce starch digestion, thus slowing or lowering glucose absorption and glycemic response.
Blood Pressure
Sweet potatoes are highly rich in potassium and magnesium-two nutrients that helps maintain blood pressure and kidney function. Sweet potato as already established has a high fiber content which has been linked to lower risks of heart problems. The daily requirement of potassium for a healthy heart is 4,700milligram and a medium sized sweet potato is packed with as much as 542milligrams of potassium.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Sweet potato contains certain pigments such as Anthocynin. Anthocynin is a water-soluble vacuolar pigment that has the ability to protect the human body against many diseases. Anthocynin and certain other phytochemicals found in sweet potato are believed to have anti-inflammatory health benefits.
In studies using animals, activation of nuclear factor-kappa B(nf-kb); activation of inducible nitric acid nitric oxide synthose (iNOS), cyclogynase-2 (COX-2) and formation of malondiahyde (MDA); these are known to induce inflammation in animals (Gripper et. al., 2013). The induced inflammation is known to reduce after steady consumption of sweet potato tubers. Inflammatory reduction by sweet potato phytonutrients marks a clear role for this food in inflammation-related health problems.
Using animals, studies have shown that reduced inflammation in brain tissues and nerve tissues occur following sweet potato consumption.
Phytonutrients found in sweet potato also impacts the glycoprotein fibrinogen. Fibrinogen is required for blood clotting in the body. Fibrinogen acts alongside a coagulant factor called thrombin as it is converted to fibrin during the blood clotting process. Balanced amount of fibrinogen and thrombin is needed in maintaining a sound health and sealing off wounds. In excess amount in the body these clotting molecules may become hazardous in the body. Excess fibrinogen and fibrin in the body can trigger unwanted secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules such as cytokines and chemokines. In animal studies, too much of fibrin has been associated with breakdown of the myelin sheet that allows for normal conduction of electric signals. This breakdown of the myelin sheet due to excess fibrin in the nervous system can lead to multiple diseases such as sclerosis. Consumption of sweet potato has shown a reduction of fibrin level in animals, this reduction is due to the actions of phytonutrients found in sweet potato.
Anti-Bacterial and anti-Fungal Characteristics
Sweet potato has been shown to contain nutrient groups such as resin glycosides. These nutrients are sugar-related and starch related molecule that are unusual in their molecular arrangement. Research has shown that some groups of these resin glycosides stand out due to their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, this group is called batatins (includes batatin 1 and batatin2). Research has shown that the group batatosides(including batatoside 3, batatoside4 and batatoside5) are usually found in large amount in sweet potato (Noda and Horiuchi, 2008). Lab studies have shown these glycosides to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Dietary fibre from the root of sweet potato showed inhibitory effect against food borne bacteria (Yoshimoto et. al)
Anti-Cancer Properties
Sweet potato is an excellent food for both prevention and management of cancer. Sweet potato extracts inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells in vivo and in vitro (Karna et. al., 2011). According to Tomzawa in the book the way to healthy life, drinking 0.2l of potato juice every day can help cure cancer. Professor Kagman from medical University in Akita(Japan) carried out an experiment with a mouse whose tumor growth was suppressed with sweet potato extracts.
A recent study has shown that purple fleshed sweet potato has an inhibitory effect on MCF-7 (breast cancer) and SNU-1(gastric cancer) cancer cell lines (Sugata et. al., 2015).
Other studies have shown that extracts from sweet potato can lead to tumor suppression various types of cancer such as prostate cancer. The cancerous cells have been shown to undergo apoptosis thus ensuring that the cancer does not spread to other parts of the body. The anti- prostate cancer activity of sweet potato is due to the high polyphenol content. The presence of beta-carotene in sweet potato has also been reported to have significant effect on the reduction of prostate cancer in men. Beta-carotene has also been shown to be effective in preventing the onset of colorectal cancer. The presence of other carotenoids in sweet potato helps to block the process of harmful oxidative damage in the cells. Sweet potato contains more than 600 types of carotenoid compounds, these compounds help in prevention and cure of different cancer types. Sweet potato also contain the plant based protein sporamin, this protein has anticancer effects. Sporamin also slows the growth of cancer and prevents its spread to other parts of the body Scalbert et. al., 2005).
Studies have shown that sweet potato can be effective against certain cancer types such as leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and cancer of the tongue.
Healthy Eyes
Sweet potato has high beta-carotene content. Its beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A which strengthens the eyes. The lack of vitamin in the body causes the outside segment of photoreceptors wear out which eventually disrupts normal vision. Orange varieties are high in beta carotene which is a precursor of vitamin A (Low et. al., 2015). Consumption of food high in vitamin A will lead to repair of worn out photoreceptor and thus improved eyesight. Daily intake of sweet potato provides the daily requirement of 1.033% of vitamin A in the body. Sweet potato also contains good amount of vitamin C, minerals and fibers which are need for improved functions of the optic nerve system and the retina. There have been reports sweet potato can help in the treatment of cataract and nyctalopia.
Anti-Ulcer Potential
Ulcer is characterised by the shedding of inflamed tissue from the skin or mucous membrane (Hermes et. al., 2013) Methanol extracted from sweet potato root showed gastro protective activity against aspirin-induced ulcer in Wister rats in dose dependent manner (panda et. al., 2012).
Good Energy Source
Sweet potato contains minerals such as iron and magnesium that can increase energy level in the body. Iron stimulates the production of red blood cells and is also found in hemoglobin. Iron is a major player in the distribution of oxygen around the body. A medium sweet potato provides 162 calorie, 0g fat, 37g carbohydrate (including 6g of fiber and 12g of sugar). The high calorie and carbohydrate content of medium sweet potato shows that sweet potato is an efficient source of energy (Yoshida and Hiroshi 1962)
HEALTHY SKIN
The vitamin A found in sweet potato may help protect the skin against sun damage, according 2004 study in the journal clinical cancer research. Vitamin C and E found in the tuber are good for maintaining the overall beauty of the skin by making the skin healthier and shiny. They also encourage healthy, glowing skin and collagen growth. Collagen is very useful in keeping the skin elasticity. Another action of sweet potato on the skin is its ability to mask oily skin problem. Applying well-cooked sweet potato which was allowed to cool with an addition of honey on the face can help mask oily skin and also moisturize the skin. The water used in boiling sweet potato is also medicinal. The water when cooled can be used as a face or skin washer, it has the ability to improve the skin texture. It can also absorb the dirt on the skin, clean skin pores and calm irritated skin.
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