Sweet Potato Leaves: A Natural Weight Loss Wonder
Sweet potato leaves are gaining recognition among experts as a powerful ally in weight loss, rivaling the effectiveness of traditional diet pills. This comes from the unique mechanism of sweet potato leaves—a common yet often overlooked vegetable in weight loss diets.
According to Taiwanese nutritionist Gao Minmin, the key lies in the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone is also the core component of the popular weight loss injection, Ozempic.
Sweet potato leaves are praised for their ability to support weight loss as effectively as medication.
To understand why sweet potato leaves are compared to weight loss injections, we must examine the role of GLP-1. This hormone signals fullness to the brain, controls appetite, and regulates blood sugar levels. This reduces food cravings, cuts calorie intake, and ultimately aids in weight loss.
However, GLP-1 injections like Ozempic can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or weight regain after discontinuation, making them unsuitable for everyone.
In contrast, sweet potato leaves naturally stimulate GLP-1 production. Rich in fiber and plant compounds, they encourage the gut to secrete GLP-1, helping to stabilize blood sugar, control cravings, and promote safe, cost-effective weight loss.

In Japan, sweet potato leaves are dubbed “longevity greens” for their numerous health benefits.
Beyond weight loss, sweet potato leaves offer a wealth of advantages. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, they reduce inflammation, protect the liver, improve vision, and nourish the skin. Their high fiber content supports gut health, aids digestion, and stabilizes blood sugar. Additionally, they are rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium, promoting strong bones and muscles.
With these comprehensive benefits, sweet potato leaves deserve a place in your daily diet, offering both nutrition and natural, sustainable weight management.
Boost Collagen Production and Shield Skin from the Sun
Collagen, comprising 25–35% of the body’s total protein, is essential for maintaining skin elasticity, smoothness, and youthfulness. Surprisingly, humble sweet potato leaves are a natural powerhouse for collagen synthesis, thanks to their abundant vitamin C and potent antioxidants.
Just 100g of fresh sweet potato leaves provides approximately 11mg of vitamin C, which enhances the hydroxylation of proline and lysine—two amino acids critical for collagen structure. A 2017 study in Nutrients also found that natural vitamin C improves skin hydration, elasticity, and reduces wrinkles.

Sweet potato leaves are a “beauty elixir” for anti-aging and skin protection.
Moreover, sweet potato leaves act as a natural “sunscreen.” UV rays are a primary cause of premature aging, sunburn, and DNA damage. Yet, 100g of sweet potato leaves contains 3.8mg of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals generated by sun exposure. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, beta-carotene not only reduces sunburn but also strengthens the skin’s defense against UV rays. A Food & Function study further revealed that sweet potato leaf extract reduces UVB-induced inflammation and redness.
With these exceptional properties, sweet potato leaves are a true “natural sunscreen,” safeguarding and nourishing your skin from within.
How to Eat Sweet Potato Leaves for Optimal Benefits
To maximize the benefits of sweet potato leaves, nutritionist Gao Minmin recommends incorporating them into your daily vegetable intake. For instance, half a bowl of blanched sweet potato leaves counts as one serving, and you should aim for at least 1.5 bowls daily to ensure adequate nutrient absorption.
The ideal preparation method is quick blanching, which preserves freshness and retains maximum vitamins and antioxidants. Avoid deep-frying or prolonged high-heat cooking, as these methods can deplete essential nutrients.

Blanched sweet potato leaves retain more nutrients than stir-fried or overcooked ones.
While sweet potato leaves are nutrient-rich and aid in weight loss, they cannot single-handedly achieve your ideal physique. Sustainable weight loss requires a balanced diet and regular exercise. Sweet potato leaves serve as a valuable “ally” in this process, not a magic solution replacing other efforts.


































