The High-Quality Carb That Might be Missing From Your Diet
What’s so great about sweet potatoes? Many people overlook sweet potatoes, dismissing them as a plain potato, but there are multiple benefits to adding these to our palate. Adding sweet potatoes to my regimen has proved essential to my physique and recovery as a powerlifter and bodybuilder. Sweet potatoes have been shown to have numerous health benefits in addition to the performance advantages they offer.
Benefits for Athletes
Two components of this food contain potassium and magnesium. What’s this mean? Help prevent future cramps and muscle spasms from occurring during your workouts and competitions.
Sweet potatoes are also high in vitamin A as well as beta-carotene. Other antioxidants such as cyanidins and peonidins are contained in the flesh and skin of the sweet potato. These can help with digestive tract issues, as well as reduce potential risks from heavy metals.
Sweet potatoes and their ability to regulate blood sugar may surprise some. What’s interesting here is that sweet potatoes can potentially improve blood sugar regulation—even with Type 2 diabetics. A medium sweet potato has a medium GI ranking, has about 6.6g of dietary fiber and will help aid in the pace of digestion. With the combination of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, sweet potatoes can help you recover for your next bout.
Preparation
- Soak a medium sized sweet potato briefly in water, then poke some holes with a fork.
- Wrap a damp paper towel around the sweet potato.
- Microwave for 6-8 minutes (depending on size of potato).
- Cut sweet potato in half. Add butter.
READ MORE:
- Are Sweet Potatoes Actually Healthier Than White Potatoes?
- 5 Non-Boring Ways to Eat Sweet Potatoes
- 4 Breakfast Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes That Will Keep You Full and Energized
zeleno/iStockPhoto
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The High-Quality Carb That Might be Missing From Your Diet
What’s so great about sweet potatoes? Many people overlook sweet potatoes, dismissing them as a plain potato, but there are multiple benefits to adding these to our palate. Adding sweet potatoes to my regimen has proved essential to my physique and recovery as a powerlifter and bodybuilder. Sweet potatoes have been shown to have numerous health benefits in addition to the performance advantages they offer.
Benefits for Athletes
Two components of this food contain potassium and magnesium. What’s this mean? Help prevent future cramps and muscle spasms from occurring during your workouts and competitions.
Sweet potatoes are also high in vitamin A as well as beta-carotene. Other antioxidants such as cyanidins and peonidins are contained in the flesh and skin of the sweet potato. These can help with digestive tract issues, as well as reduce potential risks from heavy metals.
Sweet potatoes and their ability to regulate blood sugar may surprise some. What’s interesting here is that sweet potatoes can potentially improve blood sugar regulation—even with Type 2 diabetics. A medium sweet potato has a medium GI ranking, has about 6.6g of dietary fiber and will help aid in the pace of digestion. With the combination of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, sweet potatoes can help you recover for your next bout.
Preparation
- Soak a medium sized sweet potato briefly in water, then poke some holes with a fork.
- Wrap a damp paper towel around the sweet potato.
- Microwave for 6-8 minutes (depending on size of potato).
- Cut sweet potato in half. Add butter.
READ MORE:
- Are Sweet Potatoes Actually Healthier Than White Potatoes?
- 5 Non-Boring Ways to Eat Sweet Potatoes
- 4 Breakfast Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes That Will Keep You Full and Energized
zeleno/iStockPhoto