Many people love sweet potatoes but tend to avoid eating the skin. However, sweet potato skin is a very healthy part of the vegetable.
The skin and flesh of plants form a yin-yang pair, and sweet potatoes are no exception. The flesh of sweet potatoes is “nourishing,” while the skin is “detoxifying.” The flesh strengthens the spleen and stomach, while the skin aids digestion. The flesh boosts energy, while the skin promotes airflow. The flesh is acidic, while the skin is alkaline.
If you experience bloating or acid reflux from eating sweet potatoes, eating the skin can resolve these issues.
However, be cautious: if the sweet potato skin has turned black or has brown spots, it indicates mold, and the sweet potato should not be consumed, especially the skin.
The Benefits of Eating Sweet Potatoes:
1. Weight Loss
Modern diets often include large amounts of fatty foods, dairy, and meat, which, combined with a lack of physical activity, can lead to obesity and “rich man’s diseases.” Sweet potatoes are low in fat and calories and create a feeling of fullness, making them a great food for those trying to lose weight.
Just 100 grams of fresh sweet potatoes contain only 0.2 grams of fat and produce just 99 kcal of energy—about one-third of the calories in rice. Thus, sweet potatoes are a great low-fat, low-calorie food. If used as a staple food, they can significantly reduce the consumption of other foods, aiding in weight loss.
In addition, sweet potatoes prevent sugar from converting into fat, contributing to better skin health.
