FSSAI Advisory on Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are considered very beneficial for our health. However, chemicals containing them are now available in the market, which pose a risk of cancer. Let us explain how to identify them.

Disadvantages of chemical sweet potatoes

Are Chemical-Treated Sweet Potatoes Harmful? Sweet potatoes are a tuber that can be eaten at any time, from breakfast to dinner. Over the past few years, they have become increasingly popular among nutritionists and dietitians and are considered a healthier alternative to regular potatoes. This is why demand for sweet potatoes has risen rapidly in the market. However, with this increasing demand, adulteration has also become a major problem.

According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, many sweet potatoes sold in the market are adulterated with a chemical dye called Rhodamine B. This is a synthetic dye used in textiles, paper, ink, and laboratory work. This chemical is not edible and is considered hazardous to human health. According to the FSSAI, the use of Rhodamine B in the processing, storage, or distribution of food products is strictly prohibited, as it can cause serious diseases such as cancer and organ damage.

How to check the purity of sweet potatoes at home

FSSAI has provided a simple home method to detect adulteration in sweet potatoes. Four simple steps can be followed. First, take a cotton ball and soak it in water or vegetable oil. Then, take a sweet potato and rub its outer surface with the cotton ball. If the sweet potato is pure, the cotton ball will not change color. However, if the cotton ball turns red or purple, it indicates adulteration.

Benefits of eating sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are considered highly beneficial nutritionally. They are rich in vitamin A. According to several studies, sweet potatoes contain antioxidants such as anthocyanins and carotenoids, which help eliminate free radicals in the body. This reduces oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Purple sweet potatoes, in particular, are considered helpful in controlling blood sugar. When boiled, their glycemic index remains low, making them a good carbohydrate option for blood sugar control.

Additionally, sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes good bacteria in the intestines. According to experts, some of the fiber in them acts as a prebiotic, reducing constipation and promoting long-term gut health.