Meet the healthy potato that can help you lose weight

It’s funny how we automatically assume that all things that are sweet, contain potatoes, or are rich in carbohydrates can make us fat.

What comes as a surprise then is the fact that a certain vegetable that happens to fulfil all three criteria above can actually help you lose weight contrary to what you might have thought.

We’re talking about the good-old potato’s first cousin—sweet potato, aka, shakarkandi. Believe it or not, it can help you lose weight.

Here’s how:

Sweet potatoes curb appetite
You see, sweet potatoes are low in calories and high in dietary fibre and water content. Since fibre takes time to get digested, eating it can keep you satiated and well-protected against unnecessary hunger pangs.

It shrinks fat cells
Yup, you read that right! A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that sweet potatoes have the ability to shrink fat cells. Mic, drop!

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They can boost your energy levels
Being a rich source of carbohydrates, sweet potatoes can really boost your energy levels. This makes shakarkandhi a great snack to feast on post exercise to replenish lost energy.

It also boosts metabolism
The fibre in sweet potatoes regulates bowel movements, while its water content helps keeps your body hydrated. Combine both these things together, you’ve got an active metabolism. So there you go!

Sweet potatoes also reduce inflammation
A study published in the Food Research International mentions that sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids—all of which prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation.

FYI, according to a study published in the journal Obesity, inflammation in the body can lead to weight gain. And with sweet potato working on the cause, you’re likely to be saved from the pain of weight gain.

So, go ahead and indulge as one cup of mashed sweet potatoes has just 249 calories, but can give you the satisfaction of an entire meal. What more can we ask for?