SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
You might find sweet potatoes at your Thanksgiving feast. But they're a food that should show up at more than just one meal a year.
Fareway Registered Dietitian Whitney Packebush shared some food facts on our latest Centsable Health segment.
As a winter veggie, sweet potatoes are chock full of health benefits.
The Vitamin C in sweet potatoes aids in wound healing, collagen formation and overall immune function.
Rich in dietary fiber, sweet potatoes help regulate gastrointestinal health and can help you maintain or lose weight.
The vitamin A in sweet potatoes protects your retinas so you can see in low-light and in color.
Sweet potatoes are fat free, low in sodium and rich in potassium, making them strong supporters of a healthy heart.
Per serving, sweet potatoes are low in calories to whittle your waist line.
Here are some options if you prefer them served up sweet.
Mash and top with brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Layer sweet potato slices with apple slices. Top with brown sugar and butter and bake in a covered casserole dish at 375F for about 30 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
Puree cooked sweet potatoes with bananas, maple syrup and cinnamon and top with walnuts.
If you prefer sweet potatoes to be more savory here are some options.
Steam cubed sweet potatoes with tofu and broccoli.
Roast with canola oil and herbs at 375F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Munch on sweet potato chips. Thinly slice a large sweet potato, brush with olive oil and bake at 350F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp.
Substitute sweet potatoes for half of white potatoes in your potato salad
Sweet potato fries: slice and bake at 400 F for 40 to 60 minutes. Sprinkle with cayenne and salt.
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