In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how much does an average sweet potato weigh” with an in-depth analysis of the weight of sweet potato. Moreover, we are going to highlight the ways to cook sweet potatoes, the composition of sweet potatoes, the benefits of eating sweet potatoes, the risks associated with the consumption of sweet potatoes, and the instructions for consuming raw sweet potatoes.
How much does an average sweet potato weigh?
On average, a sweet potato weighs about 12 ounces, while a medium potato weighs about 7.5 ounces and a small potato weighs about 6 ounces. The weight of the potato determines the size, which in turn, specifies the cooking time as well as the temperature during cooking.
Ways to cook sweet potatoes:
Sweet potatoes can be cooked in one of the following ways:
Baking:
For baking, sweet potato is cleaned and then baked in the oven over 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 50 minutes. After baking, the potatoes are peeled and seasoned with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices. Finally, you can also top the potatoes with some cheese or yogurt.
Microwaving:
For this, prick the sweet potato with a fork and place the potato on a microwave-safe plate. Ensure that the potatoes should be of the same size. Cook the potatoes in the microwave for about 4 to 6 minutes at high power. Lastly, season the potatoes with cheese, butter, oil, or other seasonings.
Steaming:
For steaming, take water and sweet potatoes in a steamer and cover the basket with a lid. Cut the potatoes into even pieces and steam them for about 40 to 50 minutes until the potatoes are cooked.
Boiling:
For boiling, take whole and unpeeled sweet potatoes in a pot and fill the pot with water to the level so that the potatoes are submerged in it. Boil the potatoes for 35 to 40 minutes.
Frying:
Cut the potatoes into thin slices and fry them in the oil at 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Drain the potatoes on a paper towel.
Composition of sweet potatoes:
Sweet potatoes are known to contain a lot of vitamins and minerals. In raw form, there are chances that you can get all these nutrients in higher amounts without any nutrient loss. The most abundant micronutrients in sweet potatoes are vitamins A and E, iron, and potassium.
Besides these micronutrients, sweets are also rich in a lot of fibers. The amount of starch present in sweet potatoes is three times more than the number of sugars present in potatoes. Moreover, the fat content is very low, making it a food item with more nutritional benefits.
Benefits of eating raw sweet potatoes:
Sweet potatoes are abundant in a lot of different nutrients that are known to provide different health benefits to the human body.
Sweet potatoes contain a high number of vitamins, antioxidants, and potassium which make them healthier food. During cooking, many nutrients are destroyed by heating but, in the case of Raw sweet potatoes, these nutrients are intact in them. In this way, sweet potatoes are known to maintain the overall strength of the body.
Besides general strength, these food items are also known to regulate blood sugar levels, relieve stress conditions, reduce the risk of heart attacks, maintain the fluid balance, strengthen the immune system, and protect the body against inflammation.
The vitamins present in sweet potatoes are also great for maintaining healthy and pure skin. These antioxidants are also known to regulate the nervous system functioning and are also being associated with the prevention of cancer, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cataracts, and many other types of diseases.
Risk factors associated with eating raw sweet potatoes:
The consumption of an excessive number of sweet potatoes is associated with some harmful effects as they contain a high amount of oxalic acid which 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.
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.
Here, you can find the health benefits of sweet potatoes.
Conclusion:
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how much does an average sweet potato weigh” with an in-depth analysis of the weight of sweet potato. Moreover, we discussed what are the ways to cook sweet potatoes, what is the composition of sweet potatoes, what are the benefits of eating sweet potatoes, what are the risks associated with the consumption of sweet potatoes, and what are the instructions for consuming raw sweet potatoes.