Amazing Benefits Of Sweet Potatoes For Skin And Health

The potato is one of the most important vegetables in every Indian household, its distant cousin sweet potato is one the most nutritious foods when it comes to health and beauty benefits. Sweet potatoes contain Omega 3, fatty acids magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc and vitamins A, B, C, K and E. Sweet potato is considered as an excellent source of natural, health-promoting compounds known as beta-carotene and anthocyanin. Beta-carotene is known to reduce risk of several chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Anthocyanin fights pigmentation and provides anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin. Vitamin A, B and C have anti-oxidant properties that help in fighting against damage caused by free radical.

Benefits of Sweet Potato for Skin:

Maintains elasticity of skin:

Sweet potato is a very rich source of vitamin C which is known to produce collagen. Collagen helps in maintaining the elasticity of the skin and makes it look youthful.

Anti-oxidant:

Sweet potato consists of beta-carotene or vitamin A which is an important anti-oxidant and is known to prevent different types of cancer. It repairs cell damage caused by excessive UV exposure and provides an internal layer of protection to the skin from harmful UV rays of the sun.

Anti-stress agent:

Sweet potato contains a good amount of minerals such as magnesium and iron. Magnesium is believed to help in relaxation and acts as a stress buster for the skin.

Beauty food

Sweet potato, apart from vitamin A & C, also contains vitamin E which is known to be beneficial for the health of the skin. It improves the complexion, thus providing flawless skin. These vitamins (A, C & E) comprised together are known to be ‘beauty food’ for the skin.

Benefits of Sweet Potato for Hair:

Hair growth:

The presence of vitamin A or beta-carotene in sweet potato makes it an ideal food for hair growth. Its deficiency may lead to hair problems like dull, damaged and lifeless hair. It can further lead to dandruff.

Sweet potato mask:

Sweet potato mask along with other ingredients like honey, yoghurt and olive oil works wonders for dull and rough hair, making them hydrated and imparting a natural shine.