There are many dietary advantages found in the nutritional value of a sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are low in calories relative to the amount of fiber they contain and help prolong the feeling of satiety after eating. They also are high in several important vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and D and manganese.
The nutritional value of a sweet potato can be measured by checking to see how it rates on the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommended daily values table. Sweet potatoes contain many times the recommended daily value of vitamin A and offer a large part of the daily values of vitamins C and B6. Other vitamins found in abundance in sweet potatoes include vitamin E, vitamin K as well as thiamin, riboflavin and niacin.
Minerals are another important facet of the nutritional value of a sweet potato. Minerals are elements that are required by the body for important functions such as growth, nerve transmittal and hormone maintenance. Sweet potatoes contain excellent amounts of copper, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium and iron.
The mineral that contributes the most to the nutritional value of a sweet potato is manganese. A single sweet potato can contain up to half of the daily recommended value of manganese. Manganese is a vital element to the human body because it helps in the formation of connective tissue and bone as well as hormones related to gender and sex drive. It also is important to weight maintenance because it plays a role in metabolism, carbohydrate processing and regulating blood sugar levels.
Sweet potatoes are considered a good addition to a healthy diet because they also are very low in fat and cholesterol. A sweet potato can contain up to one-fourth of the daily recommended amount of fiber and is very low in sodium. While it does contain more sugar than a regular, white potato, sweet potatoes contain relatively low amounts of sugar.
Sweet potatoes can be an important part of a weight-loss diet. The high fiber content of a sweet potato causes a feeling of fullness that can last longer than those attributed to many other foods. The nutritional value of a sweet potato can deliver a large amount of nutrients and fiber in a relatively low-calorie package. Sweet potatoes contain small amounts of protein and large amounts of carbohydrates, which are used as a fuel source for the body.