Sweet potato, boiled, NS as to fat
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A boiled sweet potato is a tender, earthy root vegetable with a naturally sweet, caramelized flavor and a soft, creamy texture. Its vibrant orange flesh is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. It's a satisfying, fiber-rich carbohydrate source that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its comforting, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet dishes. Its versatility makes it a beloved staple in cuisines worldwide, from a simple side to a dessert base.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its high carbohydrate and natural sugar content can cause blood sugar spikes, so individuals managing diabetes should practice portion control. Pairing it with protein (like beans or yogurt) or healthy fats (like nuts or olive oil) can help mitigate this. Boiling also leaches some water-soluble vitamins, so steaming or baking may preserve more nutrients.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor)
- Good source of dietary fiber for digestive health
- Provides potassium, which supports heart function
- Naturally sweet, reducing need for added sugars
- Contains antioxidants like chlorogenic acid
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The vibrant orange color of many sweet potatoes comes from beta-carotene, so much so that eating large quantities can temporarily turn your skin a yellowish hue, a harmless condition called carotenemia.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 75.2 g |
| Energy | 115 kcal |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 4.5 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 17.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.0 g |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 22.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.40 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 19.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 37.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 481 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 161 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.34 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.18 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 12.4 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.06 mg |
| Niacin | 0.41 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.14 mg |
| Folate, total | 9.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 9.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 12.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 684 ug |
| Retinol | 18.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 7997 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 7.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.88 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.6 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.1 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.61 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.22 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.13 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 3.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is boiled sweet potato healthier than baked?
Both are healthy. Boiling may cause a slight loss of some water-soluble vitamins (like vitamin C) into the cooking water, but it retains more moisture. Baking concentrates flavors and may slightly increase the glycemic index. The best method depends on your nutritional goals and taste preference.
Why is my boiled sweet potato watery?
This can happen if the potato is very fresh or if it's boiled for too long. To prevent this, boil in just enough water to cover, start with cold water, and cook only until a fork can pierce it easily. Draining immediately after cooking also helps.
Can I eat the skin of a boiled sweet potato?
Yes, the skin is edible and nutritious, containing fiber and potassium. Just ensure it's scrubbed thoroughly before boiling. The skin will be soft and palatable after boiling.