Autumn is abundant in sneakily delightful tastes.
The beginning of fall was marked yesterday. When you think about autumn cuisine, what usually comes to mind? Pumpkins, perhaps? Undoubtedly, all the pumpkin spice products are making a comeback. However, fall has a hidden champion, surpassing even the popularity of pumpkin. I am referring, of course, to the delectable root vegetable known as sweet potato. Fall is the prime season for harvesting sweet potatoes when they are at their peak sweetness and robustness. Sweet potatoes are not just an alternative with a distinct flavor for your fries. They are brimming with essential nutrients!
A single cup of chopped sweet potato can provide you with 53% of your daily recommended vitamin C intake, which is particularly advantageous in autumn when obtaining citrus fruits may prove challenging. Moreover, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A. That same cup delivers an impressive 774% of the recommended vitamin A intake, which along with vitamin C, can give a significant boost to your immune system and keep you energized during the colder months.
Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of soluble dietary fibers. One cup of sweet potato contains approximately 8.2 grams of healthy fiber, which promotes smooth digestive processes. Consistent fiber consumption, beyond ensuring more predictable restroom visits, also helps safeguard against obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
If we must critique sweet potatoes, they do contain a slightly higher calorie count, but these calories come with healthy carbohydrates, essential proteins, and beneficial fats. Consuming a small portion of sweet potatoes can satisfy your hunger and provide crucial nutrients for your body. The only aspect to watch out for is the sugar content, but as long as you practice moderation, a small amount of sugar won’t harm you.
