Nutraceutical effects of Sweet Potato and its potential health impacts

Abstract

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), a globally cultivated root crop, has garnered significant attention for its potential as a nutraceutical—a food providing both nutritional and medicinal benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds like anthocyanins and polyphenols, sweet potatoes contribute to a variety of health benefits. This article explores the nutritional profile of sweet potatoes and their scientifically supported effects on health, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular benefits. It also highlights the variation among different colored sweet potatoes, their phytochemical content, and their roles in preventing chronic diseases, promoting gut health, and boosting immunity. Sweet potato, beyond being a staple food, demonstrates immense promise as a functional food with broad-spectrum nutraceutical potential.

DOI - https://doi.org/10.65525/SVUP.9788199651579.2026.114-119