SWEET POTATO RANKS #1 IN NUTRITION BY CSPI

In 1991, the Center For Science In The Public Interest (CSPI), Washington, DC, announced that the sweet potato ranked as the #1 vegetable in nutrition out of 18 vegetables they studied and rated. With a score of 184, the sweet potato outscored the next highest vegetable by 101 points.

CSPI gave points for content of dietary fiber, naturally occurring sugars and complex carbohydrates, Protein, Vitamins A and C, Iron and Calcium. Points were deducted for fat content (especially saturated fat), sodium, cholesterol, added refined sugars and caffeine. The higher the score, the more nutritious the food. CSPI nutritionists suggest eating foods near the top of the chart and less of the foods near the bottom See the Nutrition Scoreboard below. Ratings listed are for average-size servings. Adjust the score proportionally for larger or smaller portions. See chart below.

In a separate study, CSPI rated a total of 58 vegetables by adding the percentages of Recommended Daily Requirement (RDA) for 6 nutrients (Vitamins A, Vitamin C, Folate, Iron, Copper and Calcium), plus fiber. Again, sweet potatoes topped the list with a whopping 582 points. The carrot, which is its nearest competitor, scored 434. A varied diet, composed mainly of grain products, fresh vegetables and fruits, is best. CSPI says that “The single most important dietary change for most people would be to replace fatty foods with foods rich in complex carbohydrates — such as sweet potatoes.”

Publisher of Nutrition Action Healthletter, CSPI is a non-profit, independent organization seeking to improve the public's health by offering reliable nutrition information and by working to reform the nation's food and health policies. They actively encourage the agricultural, food processing, and restaurant industries to improve their products and market them honestly.