Sweet potatoes are a popular and nutritious root vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and are high in fiber. Most people are aware that sweet potatoes are a healthy food, but how many calories are in a large sweet potato?
Nutritional Value of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They are high in vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune system health. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Calories in a Large Sweet Potato
A large sweet potato contains approximately 112 calories. This is slightly less than the calories in a medium-sized white potato, which contains approximately 121 calories. However, a large sweet potato also contains more vitamins and minerals than a white potato.
Calories in Different Types of Sweet Potatoes
There are several different types of sweet potatoes. The most common variety is the orange-fleshed sweet potato. This type has a high concentration of beta-carotene and is the sweetest of the sweet potato varieties. A large orange-fleshed sweet potato contains approximately 112 calories.
The white-fleshed sweet potato is slightly less sweet than the orange variety. A large white-fleshed sweet potato contains approximately 106 calories.
The purple-fleshed sweet potato is the least sweet of all the varieties. A large purple-fleshed sweet potato contains approximately 103 calories.
Calories in Sweet Potato Dishes
The number of calories in sweet potato dishes can vary depending on how the dish is prepared. For example, a baked sweet potato with butter contains approximately 211 calories. A mashed sweet potato with butter contains approximately 174 calories. A sweet potato casserole contains approximately 263 calories per serving.
Calories in Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a popular snack. A serving of sweet potato fries (3 ounces) contains approximately 220 calories.
Calories in Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie is a traditional dessert. A slice of sweet potato pie (3 ounces) contains approximately 340 calories.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
In addition to providing a good source of calories, sweet potatoes are a nutritious food. They are high in vitamins A and C, and they are an excellent source of dietary fiber. Sweet potatoes also contain several minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and iron.