Can people with high blood pressure and high blood sugar eat sweet potatoes?

Jul 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My blood pressure is a bit high, and my blood sugar level is also elevated. Many people say I shouldn't eat sweet potatoes, but I really enjoy eating them. May I ask if individuals with high blood pressure and high blood sugar can eat sweet potatoes?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
People with hypertension and high blood sugar can eat sweet potatoes in moderation. Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and other nutrients that are beneficial for controlling blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health. For patients with hypertension, the dietary fiber in sweet potatoes helps reduce the body's absorption of sodium and lowers blood pressure. Vitamin C helps enhance the elasticity and flexibility of blood vessel walls, further reducing blood pressure. Meanwhile, the potassium content in sweet potatoes also helps balance sodium and fluid levels in the body, reducing vascular pressure. For individuals with high blood sugar, the high dietary fiber content in sweet potatoes increases satiety, aids in dietary control, and delays glucose absorption, preventing blood sugar fluctuations. However, it is important to note that sweet potatoes also have a high starch content; excessive consumption may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, they should be consumed in moderation, and intake of other staple foods should be reduced accordingly when consuming sweet potatoes.