Compared to white potatoes, what characteristic causes the sweet potato to consistently pull ahead on a nutrient-per-calorie basis?
Answer
Massive Vitamin A punch
When comparing sweet potatoes and white potatoes strictly based on the amount of nutrients delivered relative to the calories consumed, the sweet potato emerges as the more efficient source of essential building blocks. This superior efficiency is overwhelmingly driven by the sweet potato's incredible concentration of Vitamin A precursors. A medium baked sweet potato delivers well over 400% of the daily recommended intake for Vitamin A, a concentration that white potatoes simply cannot match. Although sweet potatoes also offer benefits like fiber and potassium, it is this monumental Vitamin A concentration that tips the scales in their favor on a nutrient-per-calorie evaluation for the body's maintenance systems.
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