5 root vegetable favourites

Nutritious and hearty root vegetables are a staple ingredient in many cuisines. Discover our favourite root vegetables and four delicious recipes to keep you warm during the cooler months.

Sweet potato

Sweet potato is a delicious root vegetable that comes in a variety of different colours including bright orange, white, yellow and purple. Orange varieties are one of the best sources of beta-carotene. This important nutrient is converted into vitamin A in the body and is used to maintain healthy eyes and good vision. Beta-carotene also gives sweet potatoes their vibrant orange colour along with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Purple sweet potatoes are rich in flavonoids called anthocyanins. These health-promoting phytonutrients are responsible for giving sweet potatoes their bright purple colour and high antioxidant levels. Including anthocyaninrich foods in the diet will offer protection against cardiovascular disease and will help improve immune function.

Sweet potatoes also provide plenty of vitamin B6 needed for serotonin production and for a strong metabolism. Sweet potatoes also contain good levels of vitamin C for radiant skin and enhanced immune function, as well as potassium, which helps reduce high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Sweet potatoes contain a particular type of dietary fibre called resistant starch. This type of fibre is not