Beauty benefits from purple sweet potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes originate from South America, their scientific name is Solanum andigenum, and they are distantly related to potatoes and yams.

Purple sweet potatoes contain up to 28% more potassium than a banana, making them a health food that not only benefits health but also helps with weight loss and safe beauty treatments.

According to research by the Okinawan National Agricultural Research Institute of Japan, this is a good and stable source of purple pigment because it contains a large amount of anthocyanin. This is an extremely important component because the presence of anthocyanin contributes to the excellent nutritional value of this potato. This pigment is formed by mono- or di-acylated forms of cyanidin (YGM-1, -1b, -2 and -3) and pconidin (YGM-4b, -5a, -5b and -6).

According to the American Journal of Agriculture & Food Chemistry, a new study recently published on the effects of purple sweet potatoes in lowering blood pressure and reducing obesity showed that people who regularly ate purple sweet potatoes reduced their blood pressure by up to 4 points, which is significantly better than other root vegetables. Simply put, purple sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce cardiovascular disease, especially in their peel.

To reach the above conclusion, 18 volunteers were invited to participate in an experiment where they ate 6-8 microwave-baked purple sweet potatoes twice a day for 4 consecutive weeks. The majority of participants suffered from weight gain and high blood pressure, while a control group did not eat sweet potatoes. Afterward, they switched to a diet of other foods.

As a result, the group consuming purple sweet potatoes showed a decrease in blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic. Specifically, diastolic blood pressure decreased by 4.3 points, and systolic blood pressure decreased by 3.5 points, while the control group did not experience these effects. Notably, those with excess weight and hypertension who were taking medication and also consuming purple sweet potatoes saw an even greater reduction in blood pressure, and absolutely no one in this group gained weight.

Through their research, the team discovered that purple sweet potatoes contain compounds similar to those found in the blood pressure-lowering drug ACF inhibitor, as well as other previously undiscovered beneficial compounds. Because of this effect, purple sweet potatoes are considered a valuable food and medicine in Korea and Japan, and are frequently used by the local population.

As mentioned above, purple sweet potatoes contain anthocyanin, a compound belonging to the flavonoid group. Anthocyanin is a natural pigment with many valuable properties and effects, therefore it is widely used in the food industry as well as in medicine. In food production, along with other natural pigments such as carotenoids and chlorophyll, anthocyanin helps restore the original natural color of the product, creating an attractive color for each product. At the same time, due to its antioxidant properties, it is also used to reduce fat.

In medicine, anthocyanins have diverse effects and are widely applied, such as reducing vascular and cell wall permeability, thus being used in cases of bleeding or risk of bleeding; having antioxidant effects, thus being used to combat aging; limiting the decline in resistance when the immune system is weakened; and having anti-radiation properties, thus supporting the body to survive in environments with electromagnetic radiation.

Due to its many valuable properties, anthocyanin is also used to combat allergies, inflammation and ulcers caused by endogenous or exogenous factors, and to fight many difficult-to-eradicate bacteria. It enhances the liver's detoxification function, prevents fatty liver disease and liver tissue necrosis, regulates blood cholesterol levels, avoids the risk of atherosclerosis, restores cardiac tone, regulates heart rate and blood pressure, regulates calcium metabolism, reduces pain by counteracting smooth muscle spasms, and reduces small hemorrhagic patches in diabetes. Furthermore, anthocyanins have many other applications thanks to their diverse reactions in enzymes and metabolic processes.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, sweet potatoes have many names such as Cam Thu and Phien Chu. Sweet potato tubers are considered neutral in nature, sweet in taste, and act on the spleen and kidney meridians. They are used to nourish the body, replenish qi, strengthen the body, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, cleanse the liver, promote bile flow, and improve eyesight; they treat jaundice, boils, mastitis, irregular menstruation in women (used before menstruation), nocturnal emissions in men, and malnutrition in children. Sweet potato leaves are considered neutral in nature, sweet in taste, non-toxic, and replenish deficiencies, replenish qi, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and nourish kidney yin. They treat spleen deficiency, poor appetite, and kidney yin deficiency.

Sweet potatoes should be avoided in cases of stagnation, diarrhea, hyperacidic gastritis, and low blood sugar. They should not be consumed on an empty stomach, as this can lower already low blood sugar and cause fatigue. Sweet potato leaves should not be eaten frequently because their high calcium content can cause kidney stones. They should be eaten with animal and plant-based protein to balance nutrients. Sweet potatoes contain sugar; eating too much, especially on an empty stomach, can increase gastric acid secretion, leading to heartburn, bloating, and gas. To avoid this, sweet potatoes should be thoroughly cooked, boiled, or baked, or a small amount of alcohol can be added during cooking to break down the enzymes. If experiencing bloating, ginger water can help. Sweet potato peels contain many vitamins and minerals. Therefore, the peel should be protected from damage and should not be peeled unless necessary. The peel also helps protect the nutrients inside, so when boiling sweet potatoes, leave the peel on (after washing).

Store sweet potatoes in a clean, dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, free from rodents and insects, and use them within one week. Discard any sweet potatoes that are infested with weevils, have sprouted, or have green skin containing toxins. Avoid fried sweet potatoes as this can reduce their antioxidant content. Also, avoid eating purple sweet potatoes with margarine or cream, as this can reduce their blood pressure-stabilizing effects. When boiling sweet potato leaves for medicinal purposes, use the second boiling water as the first is often bitter and pungent. Sweet potatoes can be used as dried food in two forms: sliced ​​raw sweet potatoes with the skin on, dried; and boiled sweet potatoes with the skin on, then sliced ​​and dried (also known as dried sweet potatoes). When drying, cover with a cloth to prevent flies. These forms can be used raw or cooked depending on the purpose.

* Weight loss: Purple sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich food group containing vitamins A, B, C, E, protein, starch, amino acids, and many trace elements such as calcium, iron, and zinc... making them a top food choice for those wanting to lose weight. They are low in calories, provide a feeling of fullness quickly, and are delicious.

* Anti-inflammatory and fades dark spots: Purple sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, minerals such as iron, potassium, vitamin C, and folic acid, which have anti-inflammatory effects and help fade dark spots on the skin. When the skin is swollen, red, or painful, simply slice the sweet potato thinly and apply it to the affected area for about 10-15 minutes to soothe the pain.

* Anti-aging: Eating sweet potatoes twice a week will help keep your skin soft because purple sweet potatoes contain many beneficial vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Alternatively, mash sweet potatoes and mix them with yogurt to apply to the skin.

* Good for people with high blood pressure: because purple sweet potatoes contain 28% more potassium than a banana. Therefore, scientific studies have shown that purple sweet potatoes are effective in preventing high blood pressure. In a study, scientists selected a group of volunteers who ate 6-8 small purple sweet potatoes (250-300g) daily for one month, then measured their blood pressure. The results showed a 4.3% reduction in diastolic blood pressure (minimum) and a 3.5% reduction in systolic blood pressure (maximum).

* Good for people with diabetes: Purple sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and trace elements, and low in fat and sugar, making them very beneficial for people with diabetes. The best way to consume them is at lunchtime; about 100g is most beneficial for the digestive system and good for people with diabetes.

According to VOV.VN