You all know that sweet potatoes contain many health benefits. But did you know that its leaves, known as Camote Tops, are very nutritious and healing as well?
Sweet potato leaves or Kamote tops can be a great source of multiple water-soluble vitamins, which makes them a very good choice for your next dish.
The tubers and leaves of the sweet potato are also edible. Besides its delicious taste, it is flavorful with some bitter taste. The leaves can be consume and cook as spinach.
Also, it is a great source of Vitamin C, A, antioxidant, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid and niacin. In comparison to other leafy green vegetables, it contains more nutrients and dietary fiber.
Health Benefits of Camote Tops:
1. Bone Health
Most people think that only calcium is required in maintaining their healthy bones. Though camote leaves is not really high in calcium, but the amount present is enough to promote healthy bones in combination with vitamin K, which helps in preventing osteoporosis and bone loss by lowering the chance of bone fracture.
2. Diabetes Management
The leaves of camote has been proven to help in regulating blood sugar in the bloodstream. This is done by lowering the insulin resistance.
That iss why camote leaves are great to be added into the daily diet for diabetic patients.
3. Eye Health
Vitamin A helps in preventing macular degeneration which is the major cause for blindness. Studies have shown that the intake of Vitamin A, C, E, zinc and copper helps in reducing the chances of macular degeneration by 25%.
Also, studies showed that dry eyes could be treated with an application of Vitamin A eye drops, which can help in providing relief.
Vitamin A helps in slowing down the development of Stargardt’s disease, which is an eye disease that is responsible for the vision loss, in people at a young age.
4. Gum Health
Gum problems and cavities are the result of consuming foods that are low in Vitamin A, C, D and K. But, the consumptiong of foods that are rich in fat soluble vitamins helps in preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
Also, it plays an important role in the mineralization of bones and teeth. The foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals help to get rid of the bacteria present in the teeth andmouth.
Vitamin K works well with other minerals and vitamins to elminate the bacteria that damage the enamel of tooth. Also, it helps in maintaining strong teeth by providing adequate amount of minerals.
5. Healthy Digestion
Healthy digestion will lead to a healthy body metabolism. This is because in your digestive track, all foods that were consumed will be broken down into certain compounds, and these will be absorbed by your body to support the metabolism process.
Therefore, the key for optimal absorption is healthy digestion and the consumption of camote leaves everyday is highly recommended.
6. Immunity Booster
It is common knowledge that foods that are loaded in vitamin C is great for immunity system. Camote leaves which are rich in vitamin C, which are not the exception.
Furthermore, camote leaves also contain powerful antioxidants that will help in providing your body more layers of protection against viral infection and free radicals.
7. Prevents Colon Cancer
One of the ways you could prevent colon cancer is by having healthy digestion. Consuming foods that are rich in fiber is one of the solutions you can do.
Camote leaves contain enough fiber to assure you have healthy gut. Healthy gut leads to a healthy body metabolism by making sure of the optimal absorption of nutrients.
Read More:
1. There’s a Lot You Don’t Know About Okra
2. Health and Nutritional Benefits of Beets
3. Health Benefits of Malunggay (Moringa) and Juice Extracts from Leaves