Cold weather doesn't make you sick, but it can increase your risk of getting sick. This explains why illnesses like colds and flu are more common in the winter months.

In winter, with less exposure to sunlight, the body is at risk of vitamin D deficiency, reduced immunity, and therefore susceptible to colds. In addition, some initial studies suggest that the cold and dry conditions of winter can make it harder for the immune system to fight viruses.

Sweet potatoes contain essential nutrients that provide many health benefits, helping to strengthen the body's immunity, helping to prevent diseases in the cold season, when the temperature drops.

Health benefits of eating sweet potatoes in winter

Sweet potatoes are one of the popular vegetables that you can easily find in winter. This vegetable is known to be rich in nutrients and contains a lot of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins A, C and many different minerals ... bringing many health benefits.

- Boosts immunity: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, which plays an important role in healthy immune function. Eating sweet potatoes in the winter can help protect against illnesses such as the common cold and flu.

- Provides fiber for healthy digestion: Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation and support beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut will increase the body's resistance. Fiber helps you feel full for a long time, prevents overeating, can curb cravings and prevent you from eating mindlessly.

- Rich in antioxidants: Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. This helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart problems...

- Regulates blood sugar: Sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, which means they can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in insulin levels.

- Good for the skin: The presence of vitamin A and beta-carotene in sweet potatoes can help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays, pollution and cold weather, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, crow's feet and dry skin.

- Supports eye health: The presence of antioxidants in sweet potatoes, especially lutein and zeaxanthin, can help protect the eyes from damage caused by blue light, UV radiation and aging.

- Rich in essential vitamins and minerals: Sweet potatoes are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium and iron. These nutrients are important for maintaining overall health and well-being during the winter months.

How to add sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes can be prepared in many different ways:

- Boiled sweet potatoes: Just clean the sweet potatoes, put them in a pot to boil with water, peel and enjoy.

- Mashed sweet potatoes: Peel, then boil until cooked, mash. Mix a little butter, cinnamon and a little sea salt into the mashed sweet potatoes and serve while still warm.

- Baked sweet potatoes: Put the sweet potatoes in the charcoal grill (oven) until cooked, peel and eat.

- Sweet potato soup: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes; heat the oil and saute onions + carrots, add ginger, garlic with chili powder and red pepper; add diced sweet potatoes to the pan, add water and cook for 20-30 minutes. When finished, let the mixture cool a bit and beat all the ingredients into a puree until smooth. Pour into a bowl and garnish with whipped cream and black pepper powder and enjoy.