Sweet potato versus regular potato: which is healthier?

Baked in the oven, in curry, as soup or as crispy fries: you can make delicious things with sweet potatoes. But is the sweet potato actually healthier than the regular potato? Or not?

Sugar: sweet potato vs regular potato

Nutritionist Manon Wouters explains how it works in an interview with AD. First of all, both potatoes contain roughly the same amount of carbohydrates, with the sweet potato containing just slightly more than the regular potato. When it comes to sugar, the sweet potato scores considerably higher. It contains 4.2 grams of sugar per 100 grams. “That is quite a difference, but not entirely surprising. Sweet potatoes actually taste sweeter, and that is due to the extra sugars the tuber contains,” says Manon.

Glycemic index

But while the sweet potato contains more sugar, the regular potato has a higher glycemic index (GI), which means that the carbohydrates in the potato are absorbed into the blood more quickly. This can in turn cause blood sugar spikes and fluctuating blood sugar levels. The sweet potato has a considerably lower glycemic index. That means less pronounced blood sugar spikes and fewer fluctuations. Incidentally, this is also because the sweet potato is a root vegetable—and therefore not related to the potato. Root vegetables contain more dietary fiber, which in turn ensures that your blood sugar level rises less quickly.

Vitamins

The two also differ in terms of vitamins. The orange variety is particularly rich in beta-carotene. Manon explains that beta-carotene is found especially in orange-colored products such as carrots, bell peppers and, of course, sweet potatoes with orange flesh. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body. Sweet potatoes also contain more calcium and vitamin C. Regular potatoes, incidentally, also contain many vitamins, such as magnesium and vitamin B6.

Conclusion

All in all, it is difficult to say unequivocally that one is healthier than the other. Sweet potatoes contain healthier nutrients than regular potatoes, but the reverse is also true.

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