A Popular Vietnamese Root Praised by the Japanese for Longevity and Blood Sugar Control

The mentioned type of tuber here is purple sweet potatoes. Among the varieties of sweet potatoes, purple sweet potatoes are particularly good for health. In the local Okinawan diet in Japan, purple sweet potatoes are considered a special staple food.

In the program “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zone,” this type of food is praised as the secret to longevity. After over a decade of studying the people of Okinawa, researchers have confirmed that all Okinawan citizens aged 90 and above consume an average of 0.5kg of purple sweet potatoes per day.

Studies have shown that purple sweet potatoes contain anthocyanins (the purple color being the manifestation of anthocyanins) that promote healthy cells. This compound has antioxidant properties and acts as a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and pathogens.

Moreover, purple sweet potatoes also contain numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory vitamins such as C and E, vitamin A, B6, C, manganese, fiber, potassium, and various other nutrients. Therefore, regularly consuming an adequate amount of purple sweet potatoes helps increase longevity, and they also provide many other amazing benefits.

Purple sweet potatoes support blood sugar control

The flavonoid compounds in purple sweet potatoes have been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In a laboratory study, extracts from purple sweet potatoes rich in flavonoids were observed to reduce oxidative stress and insulin resistance by protecting the pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production.

Gut protection and digestive enhancement

Purple sweet potatoes are high in starch, but it is slow-digesting resistant starch that aids the growth of Bifidobacteria – healthy bacteria vital for maintaining gut health. These bacteria in the intestines produce B vitamins, healthy fatty acids, support the breakdown of complex carbs and fiber. This helps maintain a healthy gut.

They may even help reduce the risk of certain diseases such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Supports blood pressure reduction

Purple sweet potatoes help support blood pressure reduction due to their high antioxidant content. Laboratory studies have demonstrated their benefits. However, further extensive research is required to apply them for lowering blood pressure in real-life situations.

Prevention and cancer treatment support

The antioxidant components of purple sweet potatoes are particularly effective in supporting the prevention of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Extracts from sweet potatoes can destroy prostate cancer cells, ensuring that cancer does not spread or develop in other parts of the prostate. However, it should be noted that the extract should be more concentrated than consuming raw sweet potatoes. Therefore, in the case of illness, consider sweet potatoes as a support rather than a substitute for treatment.

Thanks to their high anthocyanin antioxidant content, purple sweet potatoes have many health benefits.

Improvement of asthma symptoms

Several studies have shown that a diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A and C is associated with a reduced risk of developing asthma. A review of 40 studies found that the occurrence of asthma in adults was related to low levels of vitamin A.

Therefore, people with asthma should incorporate purple sweet potatoes into their daily diet. Purple sweet potatoes are a source of antioxidants and vitamins A and C, helping you achieve your daily consumption requirement for these vitamins.

Supports improved eyesight

Vitamin A helps support improved eyesight, and purple sweet potatoes are a food rich in vitamin A. Additionally, vitamins E and C in purple sweet potatoes help enhance eye health.

Supports weight loss

Purple sweet potatoes, like other types of sweet potatoes, are high in fiber and resistant starch compared to white rice. Therefore, purple sweet potatoes are classified as a beneficial food for those seeking weight loss.