Sweet potato as a super-food

2015

E11954

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batata Lam), is an extremely versatile and delicious vegetable that possesses high nutritional value. Sweet potato has been grown in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world, since ancient times. From the times immemorial, the whole sweet potato plant including leaves, stem and tuberous root is used as a traditional medicine. Nowadays, Sweet potato is preferred over other vegetables due to its multifaceted medicinal properties. The medicinal properties of sweet potato include anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, wound healing, and immunomodulatory activities. Sweet potatoes can alleviate muscle cramps due to their high potassium content which are often related to potassium deficiency. Sweet potatoes contain magnesium, a crucial mineral, which promotes relaxation, calmness and nerve health. Overall objective of this review article is to give a brief knowledge about the nutritional value, health benefits, phytochemical composition, pharmacological actions and medicinal properties of sweet potato. Sweet potato holds first rank (super food) in nutrition among vegetables.

6(4):557-562, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN AYURVEDA AND PHARMACY

Research > Published Articles