You usually only see or think of sweet potatoes this time of year as the days get colder, shorter, and closer to Thanksgiving. However, sweet potatoes are delicious and are ranked as the number one super food according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Not only are they sweeter, and in my opinion much much tastier than most veggies, they are packed vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and iron. The reason why sweet potatoes are orange is because of beta-carotene, "an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in your body and switches on DNA that's in charge of producing new skin cells and shedding old ones" (self.com). My favorite fact that I have found about this orange veggie : the beta-carotene in each sweet potato eats up all those free radicals "that cause DNA mutations that can lead to wrinkles" (self.com). Sign me up for this veggie immediately!!! Studies have also proven that they contain a good amount of antioxidants because of their unique root. Antioxidants are known for riding the body of free radials which are "are chemicals that damage cells and cell membranes and are associated with the development of conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetic heart disease, and colon cancer" (whfoods.org).

Sweet potatoes are completely different from your normal potato. Both potatoes contain vitamin C, a good source of copper, fiber, vitamin B6, and potassium. However, sweet potatoes are a greater source of manganese and iron. The sweet potato is even in a completely different veggie family which does not contain nightshade alkaloids like baking potatoes which can trigger allergy symptoms (whfoods.org). Reader's Digest even states that if you eat a sweet potato instead of a regular ole' potato "your blood sugar will rise 30 percent less". After researching the many studies and articles over sweet potatoes, it is really incredible how great a sweet potato is for you. I definitely plan now on snacking on this sweet veggie all year round!

There are a ton of recipes out there for sweet potatoes, but here is a quick and sweet fix to try it out:
1) Wash and dry the sweet potato - prick at least 4 times with a fork or knife.
2) Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes in aluminum foil OR microwave in a wet paper towel on the potato setting for 2 pieces (8 minutes - flip over at 4 minutes).
3) Slice open or mash and add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract/sugar free syrup, and splenda.
4) Enjoy!