By Admin 
Are Chemically-Treated Sweet Potatoes Harmful: Sweet potato is a tuber which can be eaten any time from breakfast to dinner. In the last few years, it has become very popular among nutritionists and dieticians and is being considered a healthier option than common potato. This is the reason why the demand for sweet potatoes has increased rapidly in the market. However, with increasing demand, its adulteration has also emerged as a big problem.
According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, adulteration of a chemical dye called Rhodamine B is found in many sweet potatoes sold in the market. It is a synthetic color, which is used in textiles, paper, ink and lab related works. This chemical is not edible and is considered dangerous for human health. According to FSSAI, the use of Rhodamine B is completely banned in the processing, storage or distribution of food items, as it can cause serious diseases like cancer and damage to organs.
How to check the purity of sweet potatoes at home
FSSAI has suggested an easy home method to detect adulteration of sweet potatoes. Four easy steps can be followed for this. In this, first of all take a cotton ball and soak it in water or some vegetable oil. After that take sweet potato and rub its outer surface with a cotton ball. If the sweet potato is pure, the color of the cotton ball will not change. But if the color of the cotton ball turns red or purple, then understand that the sweet potato is adulterated.
Benefits of eating sweet potatoes
Sweet potato is considered very beneficial in terms of nutrition. Vitamin A is found in abundance in it. According to many studies, sweet potatoes contain antioxidants like anthocyanins and carotenoids, which help in eliminating free radicals in the body. This reduces oxidative stress and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart diseases and diabetes. Purple colored sweet potatoes are especially considered helpful in controlling blood sugar. When eaten boiled, their glycemic index remains low, making them a better 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 fibers present in it act like prebiotics, which reduces the problem of constipation and maintains good gut health in the long run.
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