Sweet Potatoes – A Superfood Takes Center Stage

Guest Blog by Leo Galland, MD and Jonathan Galland

Sweet Potatoes:  A Traditional Source of Nutrition

Sweet Potatoes in BasketsSweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving classic, and a superfood with surprising nutritional benefits.

First cultivated in the highlands of South America, sweet potatoes were recognized as a great source of nutrition and soon spread rapidly around the world.

Beneath the skin sweet potatoes have a gorgeous orange color, which lets you know they are loaded with beneficial carotenoids.

They contain fiber and vitamin A, as well as some calcium, magnesium and potassium. And one cup of cooked sweet potatoes has 200 calories and no fat.

Naturally Sweet

There is good reason they are called sweet potatoes, they contain natural sugars, which leads us to an important point. Let the natural sweetness and flavor of sweet potatoes shine.

There is no need to add brown sugar or marshmallows to sweet potatoes. You will be delighted at how sweet and delicious they are cooked and served without added sweeteners.

For a fantastic side dish that can take center stage, try these recipes that show you how to make sweet potatoes the healthy way. You can also use these recipes to make your own favorite choice of potatoes.


Oven Roasted Sweet Potato “Fries” Recipe

Here is a new and healthy twist on “fries”, roasted in the oven.

This is an amazing way to roast potatoes; they get all brown and crunchy.  It’s simple,

  • Peel the sweet potatoes
  • Slice into little sticks or “fries” shape
  • Coat a baking sheet with a little olive oil
  • Arrange the “fries” evenly across the pan
  • Season with salt and black pepper
  • Spray a little olive oil over them, and then bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown


Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

The traditional way to bake sweet potatoes is also a great way to bring out the sweetness of this fall staple.

First, give the sweet potatoes a good rinse and scrubbing. Dry them and using a fork make holes in the skin, four or five times across the length of the top. This is to let the steam escape safely as they cook.

  • Place in oven and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until the inside gets soft, around 45 minutes
  • Remove from oven and slice lengthwise to serve
  • Drizzle the top with olive oil instead of butter
  • Season with salt and black pepper
  • For something a little extra, sprinkle with cinnamon

You can find more recipes at fatresistancediet.

About the authors,  Leo Galland, MD and Jonathan Galland.

I wish you and your family a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

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