Although the calendar says we are past the holiday season, a popular holiday food is in the spotlight this month. February is National Sweet Potato Month, and this sweet has a lot to offer. Did you know that . . . Beta carotene is an antioxidant that is necessary for healthy cells and a healthy immune system. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin E, and they are virtually fat-free.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to promote a healthy digestive tract.
There is a bit of confusion when it comes to the yam. A true yam is a starchy edible root generally imported to the United States from the Caribbean. It is rough and scaly and very low in beta carotene. They have a moist texture, orange flesh and a sweet flavor. Other varieties of sweet potatoes are smooth, with skins that can vary in color, depending on the variety, from pale yellow to deep purple to vivid orange.