Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes leaves

Introduction 

If you have been avoiding sweet potatoes due to its starchy nature, here is good news for you. Did you know that the leaves of sweet potatoes are not only edible but also rich in nutrients, I have been eyeing some fresh leaves in my compound and just been thinking that it should be edible, merely seeing and smelling the leaves of most edible veggies tells you  if it is toxic or not. 

After few research and studie on it, decided to try it with garlic, onions and seasonings It turned out that, I had been missing out all these while. then, decided to make a full meal with African oil bean seed (ogbono) and bitter leaf, onions, garlic, fish,turkey and other condiments and it was a wao. 

 Now sweet potatoes leaves has become part of the veggies in my eating list. Not only is it tasty, you can feel the effects if you are gifted with knowing what goes on within you when you eat certain foods,particularly new ones. 

 Here are some of the health benefits of sweet potatoes leaves 

 Healthy Gut

 Promote a healthy gut, being a green food. You know all greens are good for your gut and heart health. Helps promote a healthy digestive tract, relieving constipation and also helps prevent colon cancer. Ensure not to overcook the leaves, so as to retain the nutrients.

 Antioxidant properties Sweet potatoes have been found to contain a high amount of antioxidants, making it suitable in combating inflammatory problems like asthma, arthritis, gout, etc. Also,vitamin C makes it great for fighting off free radicals thus preventing premature aging and disease. 

 Reduces inflammation 

 The high beta carotene content in sweet potato is the key anti-inflammatory compound that makes it a natural painkiller. You can eat it steamed, or juiced to benefit from its painkilling properties.these anti inflammatory properties are also found in the roots, which is the Sweet potatoes.

 Relieves Insomnia I personally found out that adding the leaves of sweet potatoes, helps promote a sustained and refreshing sleep at night. 

 It is advised then to add it into your soup in the evening, especially if you suffer insomnia. 

 Source of Important Nutrients to help fight disease A source of Potassium, B6 vitamin C, Vitamin A and other nutrients that boosts our immune system. So if you feel you need to boost your blood or fight off disease, then go for non starchy veggies like sweet potatoes leaves.

 Summary: 

Remember to wash your sweet potatoes leaves with plenty of water and salt, since it crawls most times and may have sand and other unwanted agents may be hiding in the leaves. Consume moderately, too much of every thing, even the good ones could be detrimental. Moderation is our rule.