Toxins in Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest known vegetables.

February 5, 2011
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  • Michael Greger M.D.

    Please feel free to post any ask-the-doctor type questions here in the comments section and I’d be happy to try to answer them. And check out the other “HHH” videos (Harmful, Harmless, or Helpful?). Also, there are over a thousand subjects covered in the rest of my videos–please feel free to explore them as well!

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  • dddave

    So are you saying that it is bad to eat potato skins? I thought they had healthy nutrients?
    -thanks, Dave

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    • Alexandra Georgiadis

      Hi Dave,
      You’re better off not eating the skins.  Although they may contain nutrients, potato skins are still not worth eating due to their toxic properties.  Peel the skin, and try to occasionally substitute white potatoes with sweet potatoes to boost your nutrient intake.
      I hope this helps!
      Alexandra

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  • http://www.facebook.com/crystal.niedzwiadek Crystal Niedzwiadek

    Doctor, Do you recommend that we peel our sweet potatoes as well?

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    • Michael Greger M.D.

      No need!

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  • http://www.carrot-brocante.blogspot.com Julia Goryun

    Two questions: 1) What about white sweet potatoes? Mayo clinic was mentioning only orange sweet potatoes, which I don’t like. But I like white sweet potatoes a lot!
    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/health-foods/MY01108&slide=9
    2) What about sweet potato skin? A skin of regular potato is harmful, is the skin of sweet potato OK?

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  • sullivus@hotmail.com

    Could you clarify what you mean by white potatoes? Would this include russets, yukon golds, etc.?

    Thanks a lot! I love your website :)

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    • Michael Greger M.D.

      Yep–even purple potatoes! (though they may have special properties).

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  • http://www.facebook.com/tantruong777 Tan Truong

    I get to eat this sweet healthy food. Woot!

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  • yummy

    Here’s some new and different sweet potato recipes I found…some even using Dr. G’s favorite spices.
    http://www.ncsweetpotatoes.com

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