Sweet potatoes can detoxify and prevent cancer, but can’t be eaten after noon?

The trend of eating sweet potatoes for health is popular, but there is a saying that "don't eat sweet potatoes after noon". People believe that sweet potatoes can only be eaten in the morning, and eating them in the afternoon or evening will increase the burden on gastrointestinal metabolism. However, nutritionists say that sweet potatoes are rich in nutritional value and are known as the "lactic acid bacteria of the East." They have the functions of laxative, weight loss and even cancer prevention. As long as they are consumed in a balanced manner and not in excess, there is no problem with the time of consumption.

Sweet potatoes, like rice, are good food that can be eaten in all seasons. As long as they are consumed in a balanced manner, they can help the human body to become healthy. (Photo/File Photo)

Eating sweet potatoes to tell time? Different views between Chinese and Western medicine

The saying "don't eat sweet potatoes after noon" is based on traditional meridian circulation. It is believed that the large intestine meridian is in charge from 5 to 7 a.m., which is the best time for defecation and metabolism. If you want to maintain intestinal health and promote detoxification, you should eat sweet potatoes at this time, and no later than 12 noon at the latest, because the human gastrointestinal metabolism function will gradually weaken after noon, and eating sweet potatoes may harm the body.

In response to this, Hong Ruopu, a senior nutritionist in the Department of General Internal Medicine at the Zhongxiao branch of Taipei Municipal United Hospital, said that from a nutritional standpoint, sweet potatoes, like rice, are good food that can be eaten in all seasons. As long as they are consumed in a balanced manner, they can help the body activate health. Therefore, there is no saying that "do not eat sweet potatoes after noon." However, if the public has any concerns, they can refer to it and follow it.

Sweet potatoes are popular for their health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and detoxification!

Sweet potato is a rhizome plant. It looks inconspicuous, but it is sweet and delicious when properly cooked. Whether it is sweet potato porridge, sweet potato soup, sweet potato balls, fried sweet potato strips, steamed and baked sweet potatoes, or sweet potato eggs, the flavors are ever-changing. In recent years, the main reason why sweet potatoes have suddenly become a super health food is their rich nutritional value.

When sweet potatoes are steamed or cooked, part of the starch will change, and cooked sweet potatoes contain about 40% more dietary fiber than raw sweet potatoes. (Photo/File Photo)

Nutritionist Hong Ruopu said that sweet potatoes contain nutrients and phytochemicals such as protein, starch, cellulose, potassium, vitamins A, C, B, B2, and minerals such as iron and calcium, which can not only enhance immunity and fight inflammation, but also improve dry skin, prevent brittle hair, protect eyesight, and prevent colorectal cancer and arteriosclerosis.

In addition, when sweet potatoes are steamed or cooked, part of the starch will change. Cooked sweet potatoes contain about 40% more dietary fiber than raw sweet potatoes. Eating them not only increases the sense of fullness, but also stimulates intestinal peristalsis and promotes defecation. Clinically, it has been found that sweet potato fiber does help improve obesity and constipation. The polysaccharide collagen and mucin substances in its ingredients can prevent gastric ulcers and protect the mucosa.

Upgrade your dietary health! Eat sweet potatoes without peeling them

Compared with the sweet potato flesh itself, the skin has a higher nutritional value. Nutritionist Hong Ruopu pointed out that whether it is root vegetables or melons and fruits, the nutrients and phytochemicals in the skin are much higher than those in the flesh. For example, the vitamin C and bioflavonoid content of sweet potato peel is several times higher than that in the flesh, so it is best to eat sweet potatoes with the skin.

It should be noted that a balanced diet is the fundamental way to maintain health. Eating too much good food can also harm the body. Therefore, it is recommended that people consume sweet potatoes with a properly balanced diet. In particular, diabetic patients should pay attention to the amount of intake and should not eat too much.

Some people occasionally experience abdominal bloating and flatulence after eating sweet potatoes. This is mainly caused by the gasification enzyme and fiber in the ingredients. It is recommended to steam the sweet potatoes completely to destroy the gasification enzyme structure, which helps reduce the production of carbon dioxide and prevent bloating.