SWEET POTATO LEAVES : You might not want to throw them away after reading this.

Sweet potato roots are good source of carbohydrates, while sweet potato leaves along with stems contain additional nutritional components in much higher quantities than many other vegetables.

Sweet potato leaves are a physiologically functional food that offer protection from diseases linked to oxidation, such as cancer, allergies, aging and cardiovascular problems.

Sweet potato leaves are edible and cooked as a vegetable or curry in many parts of the world.

They are rich in vitamin B, βcarotene, iron, calcium, zinc, protein and contain high moisture than any other leafy vegetables.

Sweet potato leaves with their high nutritive value and antioxidants may become an excellent leaf vegetable.

Studies have shown that sweet potato leaves contain as many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients as spinach.

Levels of iron, calcium and carotene rank among the top, as compared with other major vegetables.

Health benefits and medicinal uses of sweet potato leaves

Antioxidant

Sweet potato leaves contain polyphenols, vitamins and anthocyanin which are great to fight against free radicals in the body.

Reduction of liver injury

Sweet potato leaves are rich in anthocyanin, βcarotene which helps to protect liver and reduce chances of liver injury.

Antimutagen

Sweet potato contains polyphenols, vitamins and anthocyanin
which act as antimutagen and helps to maintain proper metabolism homeostasis.

It also act as tumor suppressor and protect the cells against tumor-like behavior, such as high proliferation rate.

Anti-cancer

Sweet potato leaves contain ganglioside which is anti-carcinogen and helps to protect body from cancer.

Anti-hypertension

Eating sweet potato leaves exhibits anti-hypertension activity due to the presence of components like polyphenolics, vitamins and anthocyanin.

Anti-inflammation

Sweet potato leaves protect the body from inflammation or related diseases.

Promotion of bowel movement

Sweet potato leaves contain dietary fiber and jalapin which promote bowel movement and helps to relives constipation.

Anti-diabetes

Presence of acidic glycoprotein makes sweet potato leaves anti-diabetes and can control blood sugar naturally.

Anti-caries

Chewing sweet potato leaves is good for tooth health and helps to prevent tooth or bone decay.

Ultraviolet protection effect

Polyphenolics and vitamins present in sweet potato leaves also exhibits UV protection effect.