Are sweet potatoes alkaline or acidic?

DrJ

As we all continue to figure out what’s good and what’s bad for our bodies, referencing our Acid/Alkaline chart can help make our daily food choices easier. Sometimes though, certain foods are close to the line of being acidic in nature. Even foods that we believe are healthy for us can be acidic.

Are sweet potatoes alkaline or acidic? Let’s learn more about this amazing superfood.

History of sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are believed to have originated in Central and South America, specifically in the region that now includes parts of present-day Mexico and Central America. Archaeological evidence suggests that sweet potatoes were cultivated by indigenous peoples in these areas as early as 8000 BCE.

These early cultivators developed different varieties of sweet potatoes, which varied in size, taste, and color. The sweet potato’s versatility and ability to grow in a range of climates made it a valuable food source for all.

The history of sweet potatoes is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this remarkable root vegetable.

Whether roasted, mashed, or incorporated into diverse dishes, sweet potatoes continue to be a beloved and nutritious food source for people around the globe.

What is acidic?

Before we dive into whether sweet potatoes are alkaline or acidic, what does acidic even mean? The pH scale measures the existence of positively and negatively charged hydrogen ions in a specific solution.

Depending upon the composition of a food, when it is consumed, it has an effect on the body’s chemistry. If the net effect is a pH of less than 7, the food is considered acid-forming in the body. Typical acid-forming foods include alcohol, meats, fish, eggs, dairy, and grains.

What is alkaline?

On the reverse side, alkaline food is easier to digest, assimilate, and eliminate without immune burden thus making your immune system happier and healthier.

What is critical to note here is that want to consume more “alkaline forming” foods irrespective of whether the food itself is acidic in nature or alkaline, (e.g., Eating an acidic food, like lime, is actually “alkaline forming” in the body).

To know which foods are acid forming /alkaline forming, click here to see our Food effects on Acid/Alkaline Balance Chart.

Are sweet potatoes alkaline-forming or acid-forming?

Sweet potatoes are in fact alkaline-forming. This superfood is versatile and can be used in multiple ways, making it a wonderful food to consume daily.

Sweet Potato Benefits

Here are some of the potential benefits of this wonderful superfood:

  • Nutrient-rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
  • Antioxidant Power: High in antioxidants like beta-carotene, protecting against oxidative stress.
  • Heart Health: Rich in potassium, supporting blood pressure regulation.
  • Digestive Health: High fiber content promotes regular bowel movements.
  • Blood Sugar Regulation: Lower glycemic index helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
  • Eye Health: Beta-carotene supports vision health, reducing risk of macular degeneration.
  • Immune Support: Vitamins A and C enhance the immune system.
  • Skin Health: Antioxidants contribute to healthy, vibrant skin.
  • Weight Management: Low in calories, satisfying sweetness aids weight control.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Phytonutrients may reduce chronic inflammation.
  • Folate Content: Supports cell division and DNA synthesis, especially important during pregnancy.
  • Bone Health: Calcium and magnesium promote strong bones.

2 Tasty Sweet Potato Recipes

Recipe #1: Delicious Veggie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

A true fall favorite, this warming and satisfying dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. Enjoy!

Ingredients (all biodynamic and organic where possible)

Serves 6

  • 6 large, sweet potatoes or yams
  • 1 large red onion (or 2 medium shallots)- coarsely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic (raw or baked)
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced thinly
  • 1 small eggplant – diced
  • 1 cup chopped spinach (preferably fresh)
  • 3 plum tomatoes – diced
  • 1 hot chili, diced (whole pepper with your choice of heat or 1 tablespoon traditional chili sauce), optional
  • 1/2 cup organic grapes or organic currants
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder or 2 teaspoons Garam Masala

Spices and seasonings to taste

  • Celtic Sea Salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Freshly ground nutmeg

For garnishing

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Chopped nuts of choice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Pierce deep holes into the sweet potatoes. Wet the potatoes with coconut milk. Sprinkle with Celtic Sea Salt and fresh ground pepper. Put the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until the potatoes are soft.
  3. Cut out about 1 inch of potato and scoop out about half the filling. Be sure to leave enough in the shell to support the filling.
  4. Sauté the onions in a large sauté pan over medium heat until caramelized and golden brown. Add the garlic and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly softened. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
  5. Add carrots and eggplant. Sauté vegetables until carrots and eggplant are light golden brown. Add the scooped out sweet potato; stir to combine.
  6. Add the remaining ingredients and the onion mixture to the pan. Cook over medium heat until the eggplant has softened, and the mixture is almost dry.
  7. Adjust seasoning to taste with balsamic vinegar, fresh ground nutmeg, Celtic Sea salt and fresh ground pepper.
  8. Divide the filling and stuff it back into the potato skins, mounding it if necessary.
  9. Reheat the stuffed potatoes to make sure everything is cooked.
  10. Garnish as desired and serve warm. 

Recipe #2: Air Fryer Apple/Sweet Potato Chips Two Ways

These delicious apple and sweet potato chips are the perfect homemade snack for fall. Packed with nutrients and fiber, these chips are a great way to satisfy your sweet (or savory) tooth.

INGREDIENTS (Organic/Biodynamic)

Sweet Chips

  • 3 apples
  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice

(or make your own pumpkin pie spice mixture with 2 tsp ground cinnamon,1/2 tsp ground    nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/8 tsp ground cloves or allspice)

OR

Savory Chips

  • 3 apples
  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 1 tsp Celtic Sea Salt®
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS

  1. Wash and dry apples/sweet potatoes. After drying, use a sharp knife or mandolin (preferred) to cut apples/sweet potatoes horizontally into equal, thin slices, about ⅛ inch thick.
  2. Place slices onto a tea towel to remove excess liquid if desired.
  3. Place slices into a medium size bowl and sprinkle the chosen seasoning(s) (sweet or savory) over the slices.
  4. Place a lid or plate over the bowl and shake until all slices are covered evenly in seasoning.
  5. For best results, cook the apples and the sweet potatoes in separate batches.
  6. Place a layer of slices into your air fryer, making sure not to overlap the slices too much.
  7. Set to 300° F and cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping and moving the chips around every five minutes until crispy and golden. Note that the apples will take less time to cook than the sweet potatoes, so check often.
  8. Set out on parchment paper or a cooling rack. Doing so will allow chips to crisp even more.
  9. Serve immediately.
  10. Enjoy apple and sweet potato chips separately, or combine for a delicious fall medley.

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