Wellbeing Welfare of Sweet Potato

The sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas, is not closely related to the common white potato. It is a dicotyledonous plant that belong to the family of Convolvulaceae  and genus of Ipomoea.

The sweet potato is an excellent source of dietary fibre and vitamin A in a form of beta-carotene, an antioxidant, transformed into vitamin A in the body. Adding fat to the meal can increase its absorption. It is also a very good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant, may decrease the duration of common colds and improve skin health.  It contains pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 , vitamin B2, niacin vitamin B3 vitamin B6, vitamin B1 a fat-soluble antioxidant and vitamin E.  The most abundant polyphenol antioxidant in sweet potato is chlorogenic acid. The sweet potatoes hold minerals like potassium which is important for blood pressure control, copper, phosphorous and manganese which is essential for growth and metabolism. Sweet potato has a medium level of glycemic index.

Sweet potato is good for your digestion, regulates your blood pressure, so can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It is also important for your good vision and improves your skin and hair. Sweet potatoes contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The high anthocyanin content of sweet potatoes is behind their anti-cancer activity; they are able to inhibit growth of specific cancers; breast cancer, gastric cancer and colon cancer. Sweet potato can help manage diabetes due to the slow release of glucose into the blood stream. Its high level of fibre is beneficial for diabetes too.

So this is power food it is good for you, start eating it regularly. You can prepare soup, mash additional you can steam or roast them.

Health Benefits of Rosehip

Rose haw, rose hep or rosehip is the accessory fruit of the rose plant. Rosehips are used for herbal teas, jam, jelly, beverages and pies. You can eat them raw like berry.

Nutritional value of rose hep;

·      minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, manganese, selenium, sulphur, silicon  and zinc

·      vitamins: riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E

Health benefits: It contains powerful antioxidants, which can eliminate free radicals in the body. It prevents cancer, heart disease.  Regular intake of rosehip tea or jam can lower cholesterol level in your body and can boost your immune system.  It contains significant amount of iron, which is fundamental in the creation of red blood cells, so the recurring consumption of it can improve blood circulation. Other important minerals in rose hips can help prevent osteoporosis and keep your body strong and flexible.

Health Benefits of Beetroots

Carved beets “jack-o’-lantern” (man with a lantern) was used for Halloween as a British tradition dates from the 17^th century. Nowadays it is replaced by carved pumpkin.

Beta vulgaris, beetroot is source of many raw or cooked healthy dishes, food colouring and medicinal plant. Swiss chard is another member of the beta genus grown for its edible leaves. In the Middle Ages it was used as a treatment for different illnesses and it was recommended to take it with garlic to nullify the effect of garlic- breath.

Nutritional value of beetroot:

The beetroot contains small amount of calories and fat but high level of fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Minerals: sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese and copper.  

It also contains inorganic nitrates.

Vitamins: vitamin C a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin B-s; folates, niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine,

Phytonutrients: carotene-b and betaine and glycine.

Health benefits:

·      Beetroot can reduce blood pressure further reduces the risk of heart disease due to the increased level of nitric oxide which relaxes the blood vessels.

·      It has anti-cancel properties

·       Beetroot helps to fight inflammation

·       The betalin pigments content supports your body detoxification process.

·      It also improves your energy level.

Before serving beetroots, wash them under running water and scrub them thoroughly with a brush to remove any dirt or fungicide residues. Peel them and cut away their greens. The grated raw beetroots are healthy ingredients in a fresh salad.