Sweet Potato
Other names for Sweet Potato
ipomoea batatas
ipomoea batatas, powder
kumara, powder
non-gmo sweet potato powder
organic purple sweet potato powder
organic sweet potato
{organic} sweet potato powder
organic sweet potato powder
purple sweet potato
purple sweet potato extract
purple sweet potato extractive
purple sweet potato juice
purple sweet potato juice extract
purple sweet potato powder
red sweet potato
sweet potato
sweet potato concentrate
sweet potato, dehydrated
sweet potatoes
sweet potato extract
sweet potato extract, powder
sweet potato flour
sweet potato juice
sweet potato organic vegetable powder
sweet potato powder
sweet potato, powder
Synopsis of Sweet Potato
History
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) has a rich history as both a nourishing food and a valued medicinal plant. Indigenous peoples of Central and South America, where sweet potatoes originated, traditionally used the tuber not only as a staple food but also for its soothing and restorative properties. Ancient remedies included mashed sweet potato poultices for skin irritations, burns, and boils, capitalizing on its natural anti-inflammatory and emollient qualities.
In various traditional medical systems, sweet potato was consumed to support digestive health, believed to calm the stomach and ease symptoms of indigestion. Its high fiber content, combined with natural antioxidants like beta-carotene, made it a popular remedy for promoting healthy vision and enhancing immunity. In parts of Asia, sweet potato leaves and roots were brewed as teas to alleviate respiratory issues, lower blood pressure, and promote general vitality.
Sweet potato frequently appears in herbal combinations due to its gentle yet nourishing profile. It acts as a harmonizing base in many blends, pairing well with ginger for digestive tonics or with cinnamon for blood sugar support. In traditional Chinese medicine, sweet potato is sometimes combined with herbs such as astragalus and goji berry to strengthen energy (qi) and support recovery from illness. Its versatility and mild sweetness make it an excellent carrier for other botanicals, enhancing both palatability and therapeutic benefit.
Overall, sweet potato’s history in herbal medicine highlights its valuable role in supporting wellness, both as a stand-alone remedy and as a synergistic ingredient in broader herbal traditions.
Traditional and scientific validation
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) has a rich history as both a staple food and a traditional remedy across various cultures. Native to Central and South America, it has been cultivated for thousands of years and is prized for its nutritional density, providing complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A), and essential minerals such as potassium and manganese. Historically, sweet potato has been used to support digestive health and promote overall well-being.
Modern scientific research supports several of sweet potato's health attributes. Clinical studies have highlighted its high antioxidant content, particularly from carotenoids and anthocyanins, which may help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Some evidence suggests that sweet potato consumption can positively influence blood glucose regulation, especially varieties with a lower glycemic index. For instance, a randomized controlled trial found that extracts from purple sweet potato may help improve insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes, though results were preliminary and limited by sample size.
Additionally, sweet potato's fiber content supports gastrointestinal health, and its rich vitamin A content is essential for immune function and vision. While more large-scale human studies are needed to confirm specific health benefits and mechanisms, the existing nutritional profile and preliminary research underscore sweet potato's valuable contributions to dietary health. Its inclusion in nutritional products is well justified as a source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds beneficial for general wellness.
Sweet Potato is used for these health conditions
Arthritis (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Night Blindness (Scientific)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Sweet Potato is used to support these body systems
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Eyes (Scientific)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
