Whether you are an athlete competing regularly or an occasional gym-goer, your body requires balanced nutrition to keep you performing at your peak and aid in your recovery. This includes the creation of energy from macronutrients – carbohydrates, protein and fat, in addition to fluids, vitamins and minerals. Sweetpotatoes contain a powerful mix of nutrients, as well as phytonutrients – plant compounds that are important for good health – all in a 103-calorie package.*
Carbohydrates = The Body’s Fuel
Sweetpotatoes are made up of complex carbohydrates – long chains of sugar molecules (polysaccharides). When eaten, carbohydrates break down into glucose (sugar) – the body’s main energy source. When glucose is released into the bloodstream it signals the pancreas to make insulin, which helps move excess glucose (that isn’t needed right away for energy) into muscle cells. Glucose is the main source of fuel for your brain, central nervous system and muscles. That’s why skipping out on carbohydrates can make you feel sluggish!
Any glucose the body does not use immediately is stored in the muscles and the liver as glycogen. As exercise intensity increases, muscle glycogen is used, which causes a greater need for carbohydrates.
Experts suggest fueling your body with carbs before physical activity and consuming carbs and protein after physical activity. The key is to balance your body’s activity level with the right amount of fuel. Carbs are the fuel and protein is what rebuilds and repairs muscles (though building and repairing muscle is an energy expensive process, it requires a lot of calories). Getting carbs into your system is vital post workout to help replace stored energy (glycogen) that was lost during exercise. This energy is used during your next bout of physical activity.
Vitamins and Minerals
By eating a variety of wholesome foods, you can consume the balance of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) needed for optimal health and athletic performance. Exercise increases the body’s need for certain micronutrients, and a balanced diet that includes an abundance of fruits and vegetables and the right mix of micronutrients helps ensure you are getting the nutrients you need. Research has shown that some of the vitamins and minerals found in sweetpotatoes are especially important in athletes’ diets – these include iron and vitamin C.1,2
A Medium Sweetpotato* Contains…
IRON
Endurance athletes – particularly females and adolescents – may be at risk for reduced iron stores due to the increased iron demands during training. Sweetpotatoes contain iron, thus helping to counteract iron depletion.1,3
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays an important role in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. Like citrus, sweetpotatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which helps fight infections, heal wounds and absorb iron. A medium sweetpotato provides 35 percent of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C. It is important to get vitamin C from food, as opposed to supplements. This is because too much vitamin C from supplements can actually shortcut the muscle repair process.4
VITAMIN A
When eaten with the skin on, a medium sweetpotato has over four times the recommended daily intake of vitamin A – which plays a vital role in vision, bone development and immune function. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, so be sure to eat your sweetpotato with a little bit of fat, like sour cream, for maximum vitamin A absorption.
Vitamin A also acts as an antioxidant, which has been shown to have a protective effect on cells. This is especially important for athletes because exercise produces free radicals. Excess free radicals can damage cells.
Whatever fitness path you choose – triathlons or simply enjoying the outdoors on a walk – sweetpotatoes should be an integral part of your health and fitness journey. For more sweetpotato tips, recipes and inspiration, we encourage you to explore our website.
If you’d like to download or print this information, please click here for a downloadable “Sweetpotatoes Keep You Moving” resource.
1. Powers SK and Jackson MJ. Exercise-induced oxidative stress: cellular mechanisms and impact on muscle force production. Physiol Rev 88: 1243-1276, 2008.
2. Thomas DT, Erdman KA, Burke LM. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American College of Sports Medicine, and Dietitians of Canada. Position of the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance. J Acad Nutr Diet 2016;116(3):501528.
3. Beard J, Tobin B. Iron status and exercise. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72(2), 594s-597s.
4. Kim J, Lee J. A review of nutritional intervention on delayed onset muscle soreness. Part I. J Exerc Rehabil 10: 349-356, 2014.
* Baked with the skin on