Abstract

AN OVERVIEW OF SWEET POTATO (IPOMOEA BATATAS); A TUBEROUS ROOT VEGETABLE

Rahmabi K. P.*, Adil T., Anagha Raj T., Asheekha K., Farhana A. P., Jasriya Jasmin K. P. and Sirajudheen M. K.

ABSTRACT

Ipomoea batatas, a perennial dicotyledonous vegetable, is globally cultivated and valued, ranking as the seventh most produced crop. It is rich in micronutrients, vitamins (vitamins A, B, C, and E), and macronutrients like starch dietary fiber, and protein. Sweet potatoes are extensively grown in tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones, including countries such as the United States, China, Vietnam, Uganda, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Tanzania. It belongs to the Convolvulaceae family and is characterized by herbaceous, perennial plants with various morphological features. It offers antioxidant activity, potential as an antidiabetic, and anticancer agent, and supports healthy vision, immune system, digestion, and gut health. Sweet potato offers numerous nutritional, socio-economic, and environmental benefits, making them a potential solution to combat global food insecurity and continued research can optimize their benefits.

Keywords: Sweet potato, Morphology, ?-carotene, Antioxidant.