John Myers
Batata, as sweet potatoes are also called, should only be eaten raw by children in moderation.
In contrast to potatoes, the digestibility of the protein does not first have to be improved by cooking. But depending on the variety, sweet potatoes contain a lot of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid inhibits the absorption of calcium, iron and magnesium. The amount of oxalic acid is significantly reduced by heating. Since it goes into the cooking water, you should not continue to use it. The small amounts of hydrocyanic acid that sweet potatoes can contain also speak in favor of heating – at least for small children.
Unlike potatoes, the sweet potato does not form any toxic solanine in the skin. If you want to eat the peel, you should pay attention to organic cultivation and clean the tuber thoroughly. In fact, the peel even contains Caiapo – a phytochemical that is said to be beneficial to health.
Incidentally, batatas are only very distantly related to the potato. With around 110 kilocalories per 100 grams, they have more calories than potatoes. However, their beta-carotene content is significantly higher.
