{"id":167399,"date":"2023-01-05T13:20:42","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T13:20:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=167399"},"modified":"2026-03-02T11:17:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T11:17:35","slug":"ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-sweet-potato","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-sweet-potato\/","title":{"rendered":"Sweet Potatoes (Shakarkandi): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

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Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
Nutritional Value of Sweet Potatoes<\/a><\/li>
Properties of Sweet Potatoes<\/a><\/li>
Potential Uses of Sweet Potatoes for Overall Health<\/a><\/li>
How to Use Sweet Potatoes (Shakarkandi)?<\/a><\/li>
Side Effects of Sweet Potatoes<\/a><\/li>
Precautions to Take with Sweet Potatoes<\/a><\/li>
Interactions with Other Drugs<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSince ancient times, sweet potatoes have been a staple food worldwide. Sweet potato or Ipomoea batatas<\/em> is an edible root of the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae), whereas potatoes are edible tubers of the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Sweet potatoes originated in South America, from where they spread to warm-temperate regions worldwide. In India, sweet potatoes were introduced by the Spanish. They are locally known as \u2018shakarkandi\u2019 and are growing at a large scale in Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. The most common variety of sweet potatoes has copper-coloured skin and vibrant orange flesh. Other varieties are yellow, white, deep purple and cream. True to their name, sweet potatoes are naturally sweet in flavour. These are cooked, roasted or diced into soups and salads. Apart from culinary uses, the health benefits of sweet potatoes are innumerable. Let us learn more about sweet potatoes benefits and side effects and why you should add sweet potatoes to your diet for a sweet and healthy life1<\/a>,3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Nutritional Value of Sweet Potatoes<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fibre, minerals and vitamins. The most important ones include beta-carotene, Vitamins B2, C and E, and antioxidants like beta-carotene, etc. The nutrients in sweet potatoes are mentioned below.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Energy:<\/strong> 360 kJ<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sugar:<\/strong> 4.2 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Dietary fibre:<\/strong> 3.0 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Protein:<\/strong> 1.6 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Fat:<\/strong> 0.1 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Potassium:<\/strong> 337 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sodium:<\/strong> 55 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Phosphorus:<\/strong> 47.0 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Calcium:<\/strong> 30.0 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin C<\/a>:<\/strong> 2.4 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin A<\/a>:<\/strong> 709 \u03bcg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Folate<\/a>:<\/strong> 11 \u03bcg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Properties of Sweet Potatoes<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Scientifically proven properties of Ipomoea batatas<\/em> include:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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It may play a role in avoiding unnecessary blood clots.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may act as an antioxidant.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have anti-diabetic properties.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have an antibacterial action.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It might be beneficial against ulcer formation.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may show a protective action towards the heart.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have the ability to benefit the liver.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may have a role in reducing night blindness 4<\/a>,5<\/a><\/sup>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Potential Uses of Sweet Potatoes for Overall Health<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some of the potential benefits of sweet potatoes are described as under:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Potential Uses of Sweet Potatoes in Colorectal Cancer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"Colorectal$
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Colorectal cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women. Peng-Gao et al. conducted a study in 2013 to assess the impact of sweet potatoes on colorectal cancer. The study 6<\/a><\/sup> results show that sweet potatoes may have the potential to suppress cell growth (anti-proliferative effect) and inhibit the spread of cancer to other parts of the body (anti-metastatic effect). The anti-cancer mechanism is attributed to the presence of sweet potato protein (SPP). This indicates that consuming sweet potatoes may help with colorectal cancer. However, as scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited, there is a need for conducting further research.\u00a0<\/p>
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