Potatoes?

veggiebound
veggiebound Posts: 78 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Are sweet potatoes better for you than the same weight in white potatoes? Or does it not make a difference?

Thanks in advance

Replies

  • DamianaKitten
    DamianaKitten Posts: 479 Member
    I know sweet potatoes have a lot more to offer. Especially in potassium. I've not really looked into the other nutrients yet, since potassium is where I'm deficient.
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    They're similar in calories and carbs, but the sweet potaotes have other nutritional benefits.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I know sweet potatoes have a lot more to offer. Especially in potassium. I've not really looked into the other nutrients yet, since potassium is where I'm deficient.

    the difference in potassium is negligible 305 mg for a serving of white potato vs 448 mg for sweet potato. Also, you're probably getting more potassium than you think...it is not required to be on food labels so you're probably eating foods that have potassium and you don't know it. Pretty much if you're eating your veg and fruit you're getting potassium.

    As to the OP's question...sweet potatoes have more nutrients, the greatest of which is vitamin A content; one cup of chopped sweet potato offers 18,869 IU of beta carotene (which gets converted to vitamin A) vs only 6 IU for a white potato.

    Both are good sources of starch and fiber...but if you want to maximize fiber go with the sweet potato...4 grams of fiber per serving for sweet potato vs 2 grams...not a huge difference but if you're having trouble getting enough fiber, every little bit helps.

    Personally, I eat and enjoy both as part of a balanced and nutritious diet.
  • Swiftdogs
    Swiftdogs Posts: 328 Member
    Sweet potatoes keep me from wanting other sweets. Plus I eat them plain, and like other calorie-adding stuff on white potatoes.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Slight difference in micronutrients, but big difference in taste.
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    Not tempted to add sour cream cheese and bacon bits with sweet potato. Now that's out of the way, pass me the butter and brown sugar.
  • FlaxMilk
    FlaxMilk Posts: 3,452 Member
    Eat whichever one you have the taste for. While it is true that the sweet or yams may have a bit more nutrition, it's not worth it to me to eat that flavor with a meal that doesn't suit it over a regular potato. Both are good for you.
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    I believe sweet potatoes give you more bang for you buck when it comes to nutrients.

    I personally can't stand them :sick:
  • veggiebound
    veggiebound Posts: 78 Member
    Thank you for the answers, its very useful to know :)
  • bluelena
    bluelena Posts: 304 Member
    Not tempted to add sour cream cheese and bacon bits with sweet potato. Now that's out of the way, pass me the butter and brown sugar.

    I put bacon, scallions, and greek yogurt (instead of sour cream) on my baked sweet potatoes. And sometimes cheese.
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