Purple Sweet Potatoes

Wow- I thought I was in love with the yams I eat for training in California.   Yesterday, while shopping in a local market here in Kona, I purchases some purple sweet potatoes.

Heaven!

I roasted them with a bit of olive oil and salt, and am snacking on them today as part of my day-before-race-day fuel.   (I obviously completely disregard the traditional 'pasta loading' craze that is, unfortunately, still what all the 'official pre-race dinners' at many events still offer!)

After a quick google search this morning, I've learned a little about this marvelous root veg:

-Also known as Okinawan potatoes and 'Uala in Hawaiian

-Rich in nutrients, low in calories, high in fiber, great for diabetics (lower Glycemic Index than white potato) and people who are carbohydrate sensitive, and loaded with antioxidants (a one cup serving of Hawaiian Purple Sweet Potatoes has only 140 calories,and 4 grams of dietary fiber).

-They've  been used medicinally in Japan for treating diabetes and other diseases. 

-'Uala are high in antioxidants are phytochemicals.  Anthocyanins are the phytochemical that give Hawaiian Purple Sweet Potatoes their distinctive rich color (same as in blueberries)  and show greater antioxidant activity than either Vitamin C or Vitamin E. Studies show that Hawaiian Purple Sweet Potatoes have 150% more anthocyanins than blueberries, that’s 2 1/2 times the punch per serving!