Sweet Potato

Local

Wet zone

Central America or South America

Sweet

Sweet potatoes are a good source of magnesium, which is the relaxation and anti-stress mineral. Sweet Potato is rich in vitamin D. Vitamin D is critical for immune system and overall health at this time of year. Both a vitamin and a hormone, vitamin D is primarily made in our bodies as a result of getting adequate sunlight. Sweet potatoes have high levels of dietary fiber to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, prevent constipation and colon cancer effect.

It has been consumed since prehistoric times as evidenced by sweet potato relics dating back 10,000 years that have been discovered in Peruvian caves. Christopher Columbus brought sweet potatoes to Europe after his first voyage to the New World in 1492. By the 16th century, they were brought to the Philippines by Spanish explorers and to Africa, India, Indonesia and southern Asia by the Portuguese.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat the bottom of a glass or non-stick baking dish with olive oil, just enough to coat. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into medium size pieces. Place the cut sweet potatoes in the baking dish and turn them so that they are coated with the olive oil. Sprinkle moderately with oregano, and salt and pepper (to taste). Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 60 minutes or until soft.