The Many Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Chef Yasin of The Healthy Fit Kitchen (now Yasin’s Cuisines) believes in keeping food both healthy and exciting—and sweet potatoes are one of his favorite ingredients. On Good Day Atlanta, he joined co-host Karen Graham to showcase three creative dishes that highlight the versatility and benefits of this superfood. From savory to sweet, his recipes prove that healthy cooking can still wow your family and friends. 

Click here to watch the full Good Day Atlanta segment here. 

Here's what Chef Yasin says about the health benefits of sweet potatoes.

When it comes to nutrient-rich foods that deliver both flavor and wellness, few ingredients shine as brightly as the humble sweet potato. Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, this root vegetable has been cherished across cultures for centuries. Whether baked, mashed, roasted, or transformed into a delicious side dish, sweet potatoes offer a powerhouse of health benefits worth celebrating.

A Natural Source of Essential Nutrients

Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients that support overall health. A single medium-sized sweet potato provides more than 100% of your daily requirement of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. Vitamin A is critical for healthy vision, a strong immune system, and proper organ function. In addition, sweet potatoes provide vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese—all of which play important roles in metabolism, immunity, and bone health.

Rich in Fiber for Gut Health

One of the standout features of sweet potatoes is their high fiber content. Fiber promotes healthy digestion by feeding the good bacteria in your gut, helping regulate bowel movements, and keeping you feeling full for longer. This makes sweet potatoes an excellent option for weight management and digestive wellness.

Antioxidants That Protect the Body

Sweet potatoes come in a variety of colors—orange, purple, and even white—and each offers unique antioxidants. Orange varieties are rich in beta-carotene, while purple sweet potatoes are particularly high in anthocyanins. These antioxidants help protect your body against free radicals, which can damage cells and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Heart Health and Blood Sugar Balance

Potassium in sweet potatoes helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels in the body, making them heart-friendly. They also have a relatively low glycemic index compared to regular white potatoes, which means they can help prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar. For people managing diabetes or trying to maintain steady energy, sweet potatoes are a smart carbohydrate choice.

Boosting Brain Function

The antioxidants and nutrients in sweet potatoes don’t just support the body—they benefit the brain as well. Studies suggest that anthocyanins found in purple sweet potatoes may improve memory and cognitive function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.

A Friend to Your Skin

Vitamin A and vitamin C, both abundant in sweet potatoes, are known to promote healthy skin. Vitamin A helps with cell turnover and repair, while vitamin C supports collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep skin firm and youthful.

Easy to Add to Your Diet

One of the best things about sweet potatoes is how versatile they are. You can enjoy them as a simple baked potato, turn them into crispy fries, mash them for a comforting side, or even add them to smoothies and desserts. With both sweet and savory applications, they fit easily into any meal plan.

The Takeaway

Sweet potatoes are more than just a Thanksgiving side dish—they’re a nutritional powerhouse that supports vision, immunity, heart health, digestion, skin, and even brain function. Incorporating them regularly into your meals is an easy and delicious way to improve your overall wellness.

So next time you’re at the grocery store, stock up on sweet potatoes. Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you.