Sweet Potatoes at this time of the year are cheap and so versatile. I`ve grown them for years - such an easy reliable crop that has very few pests or disease, making them an easy ORGANIC crop. I just dug up a small area and found all these beauties - hence the reason we`ve been eating so many of them - there are literally hundreds in the garden still! And no - we haven`t gone orange yet!
But did you know what an incredibly `Power Packed Dynamo` they really are? Yep, I`m
talking them up all right because not only are they sooooo good for you, they are also an amazingly adaptable vegetable to cook with, from savory through to sweet. So you can eat heaps of them in so many yummy different ways you will never get sick of them.
And just think about how all these gorgeous orange tubers are enriching your bodies! They are touted as one of `The Worlds Healthiest Foods`, and no wonder. One medium sized spud will give you 400 % of your daily needs of Vitamin A (beta-carotene). They are loaded with fiber and full of antioxidants, Potassium, and have Manganese, B Vitamins and Niacin to name they key minerals. And if that`s not enough these guys have anti inflammatory benefits and are low GI
Remember that your organs and tissue need a full complement of minerals to function correctly, and the best way to top up IS WITH SUPERFOODS like sweet potatoes. As you get older,, or if your not eating nutrient dense foods, your body will most likely be lacking minerals. These minerals help to create chemical reactions in your body to function optimally. Ever wondered what your lacking? Only a full blood work up can tell you - and you may be quite surprised - I know I was.
Now if your baking or roasting the tubers, KEEP THE SKIN ON as it contributes to significant amounts of fiber, Potassium and Quercetin which can help against asthma and allergies.
The down side? Dont over eat sweet potatoes if you are taking heart medication with beta blockers. Too much Potassium can be harmful in this instance. Other than that - tuck in!
Now we`ve had roasted, mashed and steamed this week. Left overs went into veggie patties and pureed went into pancakes and this....the best SWEET POTATO BANANA BREAD Ive ever made. No Dairy, Gluten or refined sugars. This is Clean Eating full of goodness.....and this is where you can choose to cook and eat a healthier version of what you used to perceive as healthy.
It was quick and easy to make and had a nice light texture so often missing. I added Chopped Pistachios and Pecans - was delish. Would be super yummy with dates added too.
When the bread cooled, I sliced and froze half for snacks later in the week - we ate the rest in no time
Here is a link to the recipe I followed:
http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/potatoes/sweet-potato-banana-bread.html?p=1
I did make some changes though - healthy ones! I substituted Gluten free flour for the all purpose flour and used the same amount of Coconut blossom sugar for the brown sugar and Coconut oil (from solid coconut oil) for the canola oil. Easy.
Pureed Sweet Potato makes a great batter for so many recipes other than just using them as a vegetable. Make sure you steam your spuds - peeled and cubed. What ever you do, dont boil them as it makes them too watery when mashed or pureed.
Bit by bit, over the next few weeks, I will try and explain the reasons to change some of the products you use in your kitchen, for healthier choices. When you learn why, I`m sure you`ll make some changes as I did - then you`ll be on your way to a healthier you.
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