This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

VERGE Online Bookstore - Shop the Collection

Congratulations! Your order qualifies for free shipping You are $60 away from free shipping.

How Sweet Potatoes Can Boost Immunity Health

Boost Immunity Health with Sweet Potato Soup

Unlike many other vegetables with a peak season that comes and goes; sweet potatoes can be found at your local grocery store year round with a consistent quality and freshness. Sweet potatoes are available fresh, canned or frozen. This all-around vegetable offers the ultimate flexibility when you want to prepare a healthy and delicious meal.

Sweet Potatoes: The Versatile Vegetable

Sweet potatoes (sometimes called yams) are low in sodium and contain virtually no fat. So, it fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle, with major nutritional bonuses that support immunity health. In addition to being a source of vitamin B-6, iron, potassium and fiber, sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants and are packed with Vitamins A and C, providing twice the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A and more than one-third of the requirements for vitamin C.

Sweet potatoes also rank significantly lower than white potatoes in the glycemic index, which explains why many carb-counting diets encourage substituting sweet potatoes for white potatoes.

So, if you're looking to add more variety, sweetness and spice to your meals, cooking with a versatile veggie such as the sweet potato may give your menu the satisfying kick you crave, along with a healthy dose of the nutrients your body needs.

____________________________

Try this prize-winning sweet potato recipe, courtesy of Samantha Foglesong, a former winner in the “fresh” category in the national Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission’s Rewards Recipe Contest: 

 

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Smoked Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Servings: 6–8
 

Here’s what you need...

  • 4 extra-large sweet potatoes (about 5 pounds)
  • 4 cups seafood stock
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pound fresh jumbo lump crabmeat, picked free of shells
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced chives

 

Cooking Directions: Prepare smoker to 200°F.

Smoke sweet potatoes 2 1/2–3 hours. Let cool, and peel.

In large Dutch oven, combine sweet potatoes, stock and cream. Blend on high speed with an immersion blender until smooth.

Heat over medium heat, and add 1/2 teaspoon salt, then cinnamon and nutmeg. Strain mixture through fine-mesh sieve into large bowl; discard solids.

In medium bowl, combine crab, lemon juice, red pepper, remaining salt, butter and chives.

Divide soup among bowls and top with crab mixture.

Top photograph by Nataly Hanin / Getty Images

Read more food and drink recipes in the latest issues of VERGE Lifestyle & Urban Culture magazine. Click here to shop the issues now and become inspired!

 

VERGE Lifestyle Online Bookstore_Nonfiction Books for Personal Growth_Inspirational Books for Wellness and Well-being

VERGE ONLINE BOOKSTORE

Books for Personal Growth


Lifestyle & Well-Being

Take Your Workout Outdoors for a Fresh Boost

Recharge your fitness routine with these practical tips.

Natural Ways to Hydrate Your Skin_Avocado Oil Benefits

Natural Ways to Hydrate Your Skin

The benefits of avocado oil and other organic products for healthier skin.

9 Healthy Ways to Embrace Your Naturally Curly Hair

Hair Care Tips for Naturally Curly Hair

Nine healthy ways to embrace your natural locks.

VERGE Lifestyle Bookstore

Holistic. Authentic. Empowering.

You May Also Like...

How Metaphor Therapy May Help Break Social Media Addiction_Personal Growth_VERGE Lifestyle Magazine

Is Social Media Your Lifeline?

How metaphor therapy may help break social media addiction.

Herbed Spanish Omelet_Sunday Brunch Recipes

A Simple Way to Host Sunday Brunch

When charged to host a mid-day gathering, less can be more.

Nonfiction Books by Black Women_VERGE Lifestyle Online Bookstore

Nonfiction Books by Black Women

Explore our niche collection of nonfiction books from self-help to biography. 


VERGE Lifestyle Magazine - Read the Digital Issues_Women's Lifestyle Magazine_Personal Empowerment and Wellness

VERGE Digital

It's never too late to read the back issues.