In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “can you eat a raw sweet potato” with an in-depth analysis of the consumption of raw sweet potato. Moreover, we are going to highlight the instructions for consuming raw sweet potatoes, the storage of raw sweet potatoes, the risk factors associated with raw sweet potatoes, and the features, nutritional value, and benefits of sweet potatoes.
Can you eat a raw sweet potato?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be eaten raw. Just like other vegetables that are consumed raw in the form of salads or dipping. But one should be careful while consuming the quantity as too many sweet potatoes may have adverse effects on health.
Instructions for consuming raw sweet potatoes:
The oxalic acid present in raw sweet Potatoes is known to inhibit the absorption of calcium from the food. In this regard, it is advised to consume calcium-rich foods along with raw sweet potatoes. Some of the foods that are rich in calcium are sesame seeds, Berries, dairy products, broccoli, almonds, soy products, rice milk, figs, oat milk, olives, and walnuts.
The main reason behind the Consumption of calcium-rich foods is that oxalic acid, when bound to the calcium, is excreted out from the intestine as a result of which you may face a calcium deficiency. Further, if you do not consume enough calcium, the oxalic acid present in raw sweet potatoes can deposit on the kidneys and form kidney stones.
Storage of raw sweet potatoes:
To consume the sweet potatoes in raw form, one should also care about the quality of sweet potatoes. There are three that can be stored but about one to two weeks at room temperature whereas the cooked sweet potatoes only last for a few hours. The best way to store sweet potatoes is to put them in the refrigerator to increase the shelf life for a few weeks.
Risk factors associated with eating raw sweet potatoes:
The consumption of an excessive number of sweet potatoes is associated with some harmful effects. As Ross we’ll add, those contain a high amount of oxalic acid that is toxic for human health and can be destroyed while cooking. This component causes damage to the kidneys and also inhibits tabs option of magnesium, calcium, and iron from the food.
The oxalic acid binds with the calcium and other micronutrients and hinders their absorption. It also goes into opt-in the blood destroys the kidneys and ultimately results in the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, one should be cautious while consuming sweet potatoes in that they should be only consumed in a very moderate amount to prevent any harmful effects.
Features of sweet potatoes:
Sweet potatoes are starchy root vegetables. They originate from Central or South America. Just like regular potatoes, the tuberous roots of the sweet potatoes are consumed as a vegetable and the shoots or leaves can also be eaten as greens.
The sweet potatoes are long and tapered with smooth skin. This skin is different in its color, which may be orange, yellow, red, brown, or purple. The flesh of the different varieties of sweet potato is also different, which may be white, orange, or purple.
The sweet potatoes are mainly of two types:
Dark-skinned and orange-fleshed:
This variety of sweet potatoes is covered with dark skin and the flesh inside is softer and sweeter as compared to that of sweet potatoes with golden or brown skin. The inside of the flesh is orange and fluffy and is commonly found in the United States.
Golden skin and pale fleshed:
This variety of sweet potatoes is covered with golden skin and the flesh inside the skin is yellow or pale. The texture of the flesh is dry and is less sweet than sweet potatoes with dark skin.
Nutritional profile:
Sweet potatoes are known to be rich in different nutrients. 100 grams of raw sweet potatoes can provide you with 77% of water, 1.6 grams of protein, 20.1 grams of carbs, 4.2 grams of sugar, 3 grams of fiber, and 0.1 grams of fat.
Besides these major nutrients, sweet potatoes can also give you vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, potassium, pantothenic acid, copper, niacin, beta carotene, chlorogenic acid, and anthocyanins. Sure to the presence of these nutrients, sweet potatoes are known to exhibit beneficial importance.
Health benefits of sweet potato:
Due to the abundance of different nutrients, sweet potatoes are known to provide different benefits to human health. These benefits may include:
- Improvement in the blood sugar level.
- Reduction in the level of oxidation stress.
- Reduction in the level of cancers.
- Promotion of gut health.
- Maintenance of eye health.
- Promotion of brain function.
Here, you can find the difference between a sweet potato and a yam.
Conclusion:
In this brief guide, we answered the question “can you eat a raw sweet potato” with an in-depth analysis of the consumption of raw sweet potatoes. Moreover, we discussed what are the instructions for consuming raw sweet potatoes, how to store the raw sweet potatoes, what are the risk factors associated with raw sweet potatoes, and what are the features, nutritional value, and benefits of sweet potatoes.