White potato vs. Sweet Potato – Which is better?

Potatoes tend to get a bad rap since this vegetable is processed in so many different ways (think French fries and potato chips). However, there are some redeeming nutritional values provided by potatoes. Let’s do a little comparison.

Serving Size: 1 medium potato with skin

Calories: 128 white potato; 103 sweet potato

Fat: 0.2 g white potato; 0.2 g sweet potato

Low fat as long as you don’t “drown” a potato in high fat toppings, such as butter, sour cream, marshmallows, etc.

Fiber: 3 g white potato; 4 g sweet potato

Fiber promotes stable blood sugar levels and reduced cholesterol.

Soluble Fiber: 1 g white potato; 2 g sweet potato

Soluble fiber is estimated to lower LDL cholesterol 1% for every 1-2 grams consumed daily.

Glycemic Index: 85 (high) white potato; 54 (low) sweet potato

The glycemic index is simply a measure of how quickly a food (particularly carbohydrates) raises blood sugar levels.

Potassium: 738.3 mg white potato; 541.5 mg sweet potato

A high potassium intake is needed to balance out sodium in the diet in order to lower blood pressure levels.

Vitamin C: 13.25 mg white potato; 22.34 mg sweet potato

An antioxidant that promotes cellular health and is also used to form collagen.

Vitamin B6: 0.43 mg white potato; 0.33 mg sweet potato

Essential to many bodily processes, including amino acid and lipid (fat) metabolism.

Beta-carotene:
8.28 mcg white potato; 13120 mcg sweet potato

Beta-carotene is a precursor for Vitamin A.

Lutein + zeaxathin:
41.4 mcg white potato; 0 mcg sweet potato

This nutrient is linked to eye health and prevention of macular degeneration.

I must tell you this is the first time I’ve actually lined up the nutritional difference between a white potato and a sweet potato. I really expected the sweet potato to far “out shine” a white potato nutritionally, but the difference isn’t as great as I expected. However, there is still a benefit to selecting a sweet potato over a white potato. There is a significant difference in the glycemic index, soluble fiber, and beta-carotene content that make a sweet potato a better option.

Remember, sweet potatoes do have a place in your diet outside of Thanksgiving. If you have a favorite (and healthy!) sweet potato recipe, please share it below!

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
https://lisanelsonrd.com

omega q plus heart health Omega Q Plus supports:

  • Strong, healthy heart
  • Normal blood pressure levels
  • Healthy circulation
  • Normal homocysteine levels
  • Overall cardiovascular health
  • Immune system health
  • Healthy, youthful skin
  • Overall brain health
  • Reduced exercise-induced oxidative stress
  • Greater cellular and physical energy
  • Superior protection against free-radical damage

Click here to learn more and purchase.