What happens when you eat sweet potatoes?
Despite the dramatic headline, sweet potatoes are generally a nutritious food, not something most people need to avoid. They provide fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and beta-carotene (which the body can convert to vitamin A).
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Healthline
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Possible effects include:
Better digestion: Their fiber can support regular bowel movements.
More vitamin A: Orange-fleshed varieties are particularly rich in beta-carotene.
Blood-sugar effects: They’re still a carbohydrate, so large portions can raise blood glucose. Cooking method and portion size matter, especially for people with diabetes.
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Healthline
Potential potassium concern: People with kidney disease who need to restrict potassium may need to limit portions based on their clinician’s advice.
Kidney-stone consideration: Sweet potatoes contain oxalates, so people prone to certain kidney stones may need individualized dietary advice.
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Healthline
Bottom line: For most people, a reasonable portion of cooked sweet potato can be part of a healthy diet. Claims that eating sweet potatoes “causes” a particular disease are not supported by good evidence.
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