Sweet potatoes are a beloved dish during autumn and winter. Walking along the streets, you can easily catch the irresistible aroma of roasted sweet potatoes—warm, sweet, and satisfying.

But do you really understand sweet potatoes?

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1. Nutritional Value of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes (also known as Ipomoea batatas) are rich in essential nutrients such as protein, fat, calcium, zinc, potassium, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B, amino acids, and minerals.

✅ Health benefits of sweet potatoes:

• Rich in fiber – Promotes intestinal motility, supports digestion, cleanses the colon, and reduces the risk of digestive diseases.
• High in vitamin A – Helps lower the risk of lung diseases.
• Low in calories – Contains only 1/3 the calories of rice, with almost no fat or cholesterol, making it ideal for weight loss.

💡 According to nutrition experts:

• Contains 7 times more protein than rice.
• Has 3.5 times more beta-carotene than carrots.

📌 Nutritional breakdown per 100g of sweet potato:

• 18mg calcium
• 20mg phosphorus
• 0.4mg iron
• 0.2g fat
• 29.5g carbohydrates

Eating sweet potatoes regularly provides energy, boosts immunity, and helps protect the body against bacteria and viruses.

2. Do Sweet Potatoes Prevent or Promote Cancer?

The debate about whether sweet potatoes prevent or promote cancer started with a study in Japan.

In 2012, Japan’s National Institute of Research tracked 260,000 people over several years and concluded that sweet potatoes are among the most powerful cancer-fighting foods.

This finding led many to believe that sweet potatoes can prevent cancer. However, some argue that sweet potatoes might stimulate the growth and division of cancer cells.

How do sweet potatoes fight cancer?

• Scientists extracted anti-cancer compounds from sweet potatoes and injected them into cancer-infected lab mice.
• Results showed genetic changes in the mice, leading to improved health.

⚠️ However, since mice are much smaller than humans, the amount of sweet potatoes needed to have a similar effect in humans would be enormous—far beyond a normal diet. Therefore, sweet potatoes cannot be considered a cancer cure.

Still, there’s no denying that sweet potatoes contain beneficial compounds that boost immunity and reduce the risk of digestive diseases.

🔥 Important Note:
Even though sweet potatoes are beneficial, moderation is key.

• The recommended intake is 200–300g per day to avoid bloating and stomach discomfort.

3. Important Tips for Eating Sweet Potatoes

❌ 1. Do Not Eat the Skin of Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• Roasted sweet potato skins may contain black mold bacteria, which can harm the digestive system.
• Consuming moldy skin can cause food poisoning.

❌ 2. Do Not Eat Raw Sweet Potatoes

• Raw sweet potatoes contain hard-to-digest compounds, which can lead to bloating, indigestion, and loss of appetite.
  ✅ Always cook sweet potatoes before eating!

❌ 3. Do Not Eat Sweet Potatoes on an Empty Stomach

• Due to their high starch and fiber content, eating sweet potatoes on an empty stomach can cause acid reflux, excessive stomach acid production, and discomfort.

❌ 4. Do Not Overeat Sweet Potatoes

• While they aid digestion, eating too many can lead to excessive stomach acid secretion, causing stomach pain and bloating.
  ✅ Stick to 200–300g per day for optimal health.

4. Foods to Avoid Combining with Sweet Potatoes

❌ (1) Sweet Potatoes + Persimmons

• Sweet potatoes are rich in sugar, which, when combined with tannins in persimmons, can cause stomach blockages, pain, or ulcers.
  ✅ If eating both, wait at least 5 hours between consumption.

❌ (2) Sweet Potatoes + Sugary Foods

• Sweet potatoes already contain high natural sugar levels.
• Combining them with candy, soda, or sweet snacks can increase stomach acid production, leading to bloating, heartburn, and indigestion.

Conclusion

📌 Sweet potatoes are beneficial for health but are not a "miracle cure" for cancer.
📌 Eat in moderation (200–300g per day) to avoid side effects.
📌 Avoid eating raw sweet potatoes, roasted skins, or combining them with persimmons and sugary foods.

👉 How do you usually eat sweet potatoes? Do you believe they can fight cancer? Share your thoughts! 🚀