VCU RamStrong Well-being blog

Giving VCU employees the wellness resources they need to be healthy both on and off campus

NATIONAL COOK A SWEET POTATO DAY

National Cook A Sweet Potato Day is celebrated across the United States each year on February 22nd.  The sweet potato is eaten and loved, each day, by millions of people across the nation.

Either Central America or South America is thought to be the center of origin and domestication of sweet potatoes.  It is known that in Central America, sweet potatoes were domesticated at least 5,ooo years ago.  Peruvian sweet potato remnants dating as far back as 8,000 BC have been found in South America.

The sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports good vision, the immune system and bone growth.  Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B-6, magnesium and vitamin C.  It’s also great for the complexion.

High in fiber and low in fat and calories, this root vegetable is a healthful alternative to snack foods when prepared without added butter, sugar or salt.

Unlike other potatoes, sweet potatoes like long, hot growing seasons. This might explain why it is the state vegetable of North Carolina.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Give these sweet potato recipes a try:

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Louisiana Sweet Potato Pancakes
Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping
Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole
Sweet Potato Cake

Be sure to visit the RamStrong website for ideas and events to help you make choices toward being a more holistic well-being.

 

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