The people of Okinawa, Japan have traditionally enjoyed one of the highest life expectancies in the world. In their summary of “Everything You Need to Know About Sweet Potatoes,” Food Revolution Network reports that, “one of those secrets, it turns out, is lots and lots of sweet potatoes. The traditional Okinawan diet consists of minimal meat, dairy, eggs, and processed foods. Instead, they eat mostly whole plant foods. And they get an incredible 60% of their calories from sweet potatoes alone.”
It’s partly because of this high-fiber and antioxidant-rich diet that Okinawans enjoy such a long lifespan. Living to be one hundred years or older is not uncommon in Okinawa. Okinawans also experience less chronic disease than Americans do, with significantly fewer deaths from heart disease and cancers of the colon, breast, and prostate. The Food Revolution Network also outlines the 10 incredible sweet potato benefits…check out the article for more details.
- They Support Digestive Health
- They Keep Your Heart Healthy
- They Help Stabilize Blood Sugar
- They Can Boost Your Immunity
- They Are Good for Your Eyes
- They Fuel Your Brain
- They Can Help Ease Stress and Anxiety
- They Can Help Boost Fertility
- They Can Help Fight Cancer
- They Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects
One of the best ways to cook sweet potatoes is to roast them. Cooking sweet potatoes slowly on low heat will allow that maltose-making enzyme more time to convert the starch into sugar — giving you sweeter sweet potatoes. Here’s an easy way to roast sweet potatoes, using our Land & SEAsoning for added flavor, nutrition and spice. You can also sprinkle on some dried Nori flakes for enhanced nutrition.
Ingredients:
Makes 4 to 6 servings
2 pounds of sweet potatoes (About two large or three small sweet potatoes)
1 -2 tablespoons Land & SEAsoning (to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Red Chili Flakes (for added heat/optional)
Parsley (for color and freshness)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon liner. Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes, then cut them into cubes or wedges, relatively the same sized pieces. (You can either peel them or leave them unpeeled, your choice.) Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle over the oil and sprinkle on Land & SEAsoning, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Toss the potatoes until evenly coated in oil and spices. If desired add a few red chili flakes for added heat but use sparingly.
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes evenly over the baking sheet in a single layer. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through. By 25 minutes the sweet potatoes should have softened and slightly browned. However, total cooking time will ultimately depend on the size of your cubes. If they are not softened to your linking, cook them for another 5 to 10 minutes more. Serve with a few parsley florets for color and freshness.