We all have eaten tangy boiled sweet potatoes from street vendors. Basically, sweet potato ( shakkarkandi ) is a nutritional power-packed vegetable. In one medium spud, there is over 400 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement. Sweet potatoes also contain high amounts of fiber and potassium. They have more grams of natural sugars than regular potato however it is more nutrients with fewer calories. These are distant relatives to potato. Some say it is a strict no-no for diabetics for its high glycaemic index, while some cannot stop talking highly about its high antioxidant content.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of various minerals, vitamins, and fibers that are quite beneficial for the overall health. This starchy yet sweet-tasting root has a thick skin from outside with an off-white-colored pulp inside. You can eat sweet potatoes either raw or cooked. One of its vital nutritional utility is that it is high in antioxidant also called beta carotene which transforms to vitamin A once eaten.
* Moisturizes skin
Sweet potatoes contain elements that can act as natural moisturizers, including potassium and pantothenic acid. It is important to eat enough potassium each day to help regulate other body functions as well. Sweet potatoes are also rich in pantothenic acid which is a great moisturizer if you apply it to the skin it also increases skin elasticity. A sweet potato skin mask may also be moisturizing and help to rid the skin of excess facial oils. An easy sweet potato mask can be made with boiled sweet potato, honey, ginger powder, and milk. This mask is best for dry skin.
* Produces collagen
Sweet potatoes contain vitamin c, which is an
antioxidant and also vital in the production of collagen. Collagen is
the main component in the skin and other connective tissues, including
hair and nails.
* Protects against UV damageFolate is another important nutrient found in sweet potatoes. Deficiency of folate can increase sensitivity to UV damage, which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Sweet potatoes, when added to a balanced diet, can help keep healthy levels of folate.
* Anti-aging
Consumption of sweet potato can help in giving wrinkle-free skin. It is said that beta carotene in sweet potatoes can help in combating rough, scaly winter skin.
* Improves skin texture
Boil the sweet potato in water for a few minutes. Once done, preserve the boiled water and pour it into the bottle. Store it in the refrigerator and allow it to cool. You can use this water as a toner for skin. This organic toner will help you get rid of impurities. It also deep cleanses the skin pores.
* Dark circles and puffinessSweet potato is rich in anthocyanin which helps in healing the dark circles and eye puffiness. All you need to do is cut two slices from sweet potato and place them on your eyes for a while and let it work.
* Oily skinBoil sweet potato and mash it thoroughly. Once mashed, add a tablespoon of organic honey to it. Apply this mixture to your face and wash off after a few minutes. This will help in reducing oiliness from the skin without stripping off the natural oils.
* Natural MoisturizerTake half cup of boiled sweet potatoes, one tablespoon yogurt, and one tablespoon oats. Blend these into a thick paste. Use this paste on your skin and scrub it slowly. Wash your face with warm water and you can feel your skin moisturized.