Sweet Potato Ranks Number One in Nutrition

In a recent study, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) ranked the sweet potato number one of all vegetables with a score of 184. The sweet potato outscored the next highest vegetable by over 100 points. CSPI nutritionists recommend choosing foods that are near the top of the chart and eating less of the foods that have negative values or are near the bottom. A varied diet composed mainly of grain products and fresh vegetables and fruits are best.
According to CSPI nutritionists, the single most important dietary change for most people would be to replace fatty foods with foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes.
CSPI gave foods points for their content of dietary fiber, naturally occurring sugars and complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. Points are deducted for fat content (especially saturated fat), sodium, cholesterol, added refined sugars, and caffeine. The higher the score, the more nutritious the food.

Sweet Potato, Baked 184 Potato, Baked 83 Spinach 76 Kale 55 Mixed Vegetables 52 Broccoli 52 Winter Squash, Baked 44 Brussels Sprouts 37 Cabbage, Raw 34 Green Peas 33 Carrot 30 Okra 30 Corn on the Cob 27 Tomato 27 Green Pepper 26

The Center for Science in the Public Interest is a non-profit, independent organization seeking to improve the public's health by offering reliable nutrition information and by working to reform the nation's food and health policies. Ratings listed are for average size servings. Adjust the score proportionally for larger or smaller portions.

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