November 28, 2014
By: Margie King, Health Coach
(GreenMedInfo.com) For many of us, sweet potatoes are a once-a-year decadent marshmallow-laden addition to an already overwhelming Thanksgiving menu. But there is no need to feel guilty about eating these hearty and healthy root vegetables and no need to limit them to the holidays. They can be an everyday treat and healthy upgrade to regular potatoes. And adding maple syrup can boost nutrition and flavor.
What’s the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?
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In the United States, chances are, whether you are buying something called a sweet potato or something called a yam, you are buying a sweet potato, of which there are more than 400 varieties.
The name “yam” was given to a thicker skinned, moist, sweeter, orange-fleshed variety in the mid 20th century to distinguish it from the yellow, less sweet variety which predominated in the market at that time. The word “yam” comes from the African “nyami” which are true yams and are not grown at all in the United States.
Sweet potatoes are native to Central America and have been cultivated for over 10,000 years. Christopher Columbus introduced them to Europe and from there they spread to the rest of the world.
An excellent source of vitamins A, C and B6, sweet potatoes are also a great source of fiber. In addition, because of their sweet flavor, adding them to your diet can help prevent sugar cravings.
Some varieties of sweet potato are sweeter than others. Using the moist, orange-fleshed variety often marketed as “yams,” reduces the need to add sweeteners to recipes. But a hint of maple syrup can add lots of flavor and some great minerals.
Health Benefits of Maple Syrup
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