Sweet potatoes have been around for a long time. In fact, they were discovered growing in Indian gardens in Louisiana in 1540. Sweet potatoes were popular with the Incas of Peru and the Mayas of Central America, and residents of South America, the Caribbean and South Pacific have been enjoying the sweet and tasty spud for centuries.

And with good reason.

Sweet potatoes are full of cancer-fighting carotenoids… one cup has more the six times the recommended amount of beta-carotene and vitamin C. They are a reasonable source of Vitamin B-6, and they contain 50 milligrams of calcium per serving. Plus, with almost half the carbs of baked potatoes, they’re a wonderful low-carb alternative. In addition to all this, one 4-ounce sweet potato has only 120 calories when eaten in its own skin, with 3 grams of fiber and practically no fat.