When it comes to skincare, there is a sudden spurt of interest in going back to roots. People are increasingly moving towards all things natural and seasonal to treat their skin woes, be it tanning, ageing or dullness. Indian households have been using homemade natural face masks since time-immemorial. Most of the face masks are made with fruits, veggies and choice of herbs. For the longest time, potato has been quite a rage in the world of natural beauty for its exfoliating properties. But did you know its other tuber cousin- sweet potato can do wonders for your skin too? You can use it to make face masks or just eat it by turning it into various delights. Sweet potato helps impart a natural glow and also makes your skin softer and younger. According to the book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, "Its high levels of beta-carotene means sweet potato benefits skin by fighting the free radicals that cause skin ageing."
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Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamin C and Vitamin E, both of which are very crucial to keep skin healthy, glowing and supple. Vitamin C helps boost collagen, which tightens your skin. The antioxidants present in sweet potato are also responsible for a natural sheen. Sweet potatoes are also a rich source of anthocyanins that help prevent blemishes and dark spots by keeping free radical activity in control.
How To Eat Sweet Potatoes For Beautiful Skin
As the name suggests, sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness to them. Cooking them, especially deep-frying the tuber may hamper its nutritional profile. It is best to steam or boil them. It helps preserve "their slow-release carbohydrates and essential nutrients", notes the book, 'Healing Foods'. Boil them for 30 minutes until soft, mash them nicely with unsalted butter, sprinkle some herbs on top of them and enjoy it hot.
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Skin health: Sweet potatoes are a rich source of anthocyanins
You can also include them in soothing stews. It is also a good idea to add some sweet potatoes to your salads too. It adds a decent amount of good carbs to the mix.
Shakarkandi chaat is one of the easiest and popular ways in which sweet potatoes are consumed in India, wherein, you just have to boil peeled sweet potatoes for a while. Serve these boiled tubers with a hint of lemon and chaat masala. The citric flavour complements the mild and sweet flavour of the sweet potatoes very well.
Here's a recipe of shakarkandi chaat that you can have this evening.
(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)