As the name suggests, sweet potato is a sweet-tasting root vegetable. The tuberous roots are high in starch content. There are several varieties of sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, potassium, and various nutrients. There are several health benefits of sweet potatoes.
Do you consider sweet potato for diabetes as a healthy option? Even though sweet potatoes have a significant level of carbohydrates, their glycemic index is low.
This article will help you to analyze whether people with diabetes should eat sweet potatoes.
Various Health Benefits Of Sweet Potato
- Highly Nutritious
There are many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in sweet potatoes. The tuberous root contains Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), VitaminB6, Vitamin C, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and fiber.
Sweet potato has rich nutritional value and is suitable for your overall health.
- Lowe Risk Of Cancer
The plant pigment beta-carotene present in sweet potatoes is an effective antioxidant. It is also a provitamin.
Antioxidants help in preventing cellular damage and reduce the risk of cancer.
- Boosts Digestion
Fiber promotes better digestion. Sweet potatoes contain fiber and these help in preventing constipation.
It also helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract.
- Good For Eye Health
Beta-carotene present in sweet potato is a pro vitamin. It is converted to Vitamin A by your body.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant. It is also helpful for maintaining good eye health.
- Better Immunity
Vitamin C contained in sweet potatoes supports your immune system. It also helps in better absorption of iron.
Vitamin C can reduce the risk of anemia caused by iron deficiency.
There are also various other health benefits of sweet potatoes. Now you might be wondering, can a diabetic person eat sweet potato?
People with type 2 diabetes need to be careful about their carb intake. Sweet potatoes contain carbohydrates, and this can raise your blood sugar levels. But sweet potatoes’ rich amount of fiber slows down this process.
Studies have proved that the extract from white-skinned sweet potatoes can improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.

Sweet potato contains a high amount of fiber. Research suggests that consuming more fiber can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Generally, sweet potatoes are effective for people with type 2 diabetes. A moderate intake of sweet potatoes is healthy for your body.
Are sweet potatoes high in sugar? Has this question come to your mind? Sweet potatoes have sugar content, and it varies among different varieties.
The soluble fiber in sweet potatoes helps lower your blood sugar and cholesterol.
Another concern is, do sweet potatoes spike blood sugar? Sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates and can spike blood sugar levels. The fiber content present in sweet potatoes helps to slow down this process.
Some varieties of sweet potatoes are suitable for people concerned with blood sugar and obesity.
It also depends on how you cook the sweet potato. Research indicates that orange sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index when boiled.
Conclusion
Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious and contain a good amount of fiber and carbohydrates. You can consume them by steaming or boiling them.
The sweet-tasting tubers are also suitable for preparing various dishes.
It is safe to consume sweet potatoes in a moderate quantities.
If you are taking medications, take your doctor’s opinion before including sweet potatoes in your diet.