Prostate Cancer - The health benefits of sweet potatoes and butternut squash

Duration: 1 minute 58 seconds.

[Registered Dietician] And butternut squash are not the same vegetable, but they have a very similar nutritional profile. They are both high in fiber, but butternut squash is high on the FODMAP diet and sweet potato is actually low. They're both sweet in taste and of course orange in color, so high in vitamin A. They are both high in fiber, potassium and magnesium. These vegetables because of their antioxidant properties, potassium, magnesium content and excellent fiber source it may play a role in lowering your cholesterol and overall cardiovascular health.

[Urologist] To some sweet potatoes are considered a superfood with a variety of nutritional health benefits. Some of these benefits include increasing your antioxidant intake, consuming more anti inflammatory nutrients and even regulating your blood sugar. That doesn't even include all of the vitamins and minerals they contain.

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, which is sometimes known as an anti inflammatory vitamin, because of its critical role in enhancing immune function. Adding sweet potatoes into your diet is yet another way to achieve eating more colorful vegetables, which should be the goal when meal planning for optimal nutritional benefit.

[Clinical Exercise Physiologist] If you or someone you know is trying to manage a chronic health condition, it's important to consider making healthy lifestyle choices in conjunction with a prescribed exercise program, nutrition can also play a huge role in disease management, recovery and mental health.

[Registered Dietician] To find out more exciting recipes and tips on how to incorporate sweet potatoes and or butternut squash into your diet. Ask your local registered dietician.

Presenter: Dr. Miles Mannas, Urologist, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Urologist