a healthy balance

Okinawan Sweet Potato (Japanese sweet potato/yam) 

Although these are native to North America, and not Japan, they serve as the main carbohydrate source in the traditional diet of the Okinawan people, the longest-living people in the world. 

So what’s good about this purple sweet potato? It has all the nutrients the average American person lacks! One potato (~180g) has 700% of the Daily Recommended Value of Vitamin A. Unlike others foods like nuts & oils which are rich in Vitamin E, this sweet potato has the antioxidant without the extra fats. 

• High in fiber
• Rich in Vitamins A, C, B6 
• Good source of Potassium, Iron, & Calcium 
• Low to medium GI (Glycemic Index) 

It’s also really tasty & easy to prepare! They can be found at any Asian market or even regular markets marked as “Japanese sweet potato/yam.” But from my understanding, all sweet potatoes are generally as nutritious.  

• Poke the sweet potato with a fork several times all around
• Wrap in a wet paper towel
• Microwave for 5 minutes, turning once at 2.5 minutes. 

~Geraldine 

PS: This was from New Year’s day!