In nutrition, not everything depends on taste or trends. Many times, purchasing decisions are guided by price or by what is most beneficial for health. Among so many products that promise to be "super," finding real and affordable alternatives can make a difference in daily life.
One of the foods that has gained the most fame in the last decade is avocado, but that fame comes at a high cost, and not just economically. The price of this fruit has skyrocketed (its price has soared), and its consumption is not always feasible. In addition, although its fats are healthy, they don't fit into every diet. That's why more and more people are discovering an unexpected substitute.
Avocado: benefits with a high price
Avocado is a fruit rich in healthy fats, provides many nutrients, and is key in diets such as the Mediterranean or keto. However, its price has increased significantly in recent years (in the last few years), which has made it a product not suitable for every budget. Faced with this situation, many consumers are turning their attention and are doing so toward a more affordable, complete, and versatile food: sweet potato.
Sweet potato: a superfood gaining prominence
Also called batata or yam, sweet potato is a tuber full of benefits and, according to an analysis by the University of Navarra (Spain), it is a healthier option than avocado. It has 15 times less fat, which makes it ideal for low-calorie diets. In addition, it contains 542 mg of potassium per 3.5 oz. (100 g). It is also rich in antioxidants, which help prevent diseases. Therefore, eating sweet potato frequently can improve health in the long term.
Sweet potatoes can be prepared in many ways; they are eaten roasted, boiled, mashed, or even in desserts. That makes them easy to integrate into all kinds of menus. They are ideal in both savory and sweet recipes. Today, they can be purchased year-round, although their best season is in the fall, when they tend to be tastier and cheaper.
Additional properties that make it stand out
On a nutritional level, sweet potato is very complete. It provides fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, and more potassium. It also improves intestinal transit thanks to its high fiber content, and there are different types: white, orange, or purple, all with very similar profiles. Its production continues to grow, especially due to the increase in its consumption, and although it is a humble food, its properties place it as a star with a huge rise.