Loaded with potassium, bananas are often hailed as a health-boosting fruit.

In fact, during a tour, the potassium-conscious celeb Peter Andre  famously felt the effects of too much of a good thing after binging on bananas.

But experts emphasize that a diet enriched with potassium and fiber is vital for keeping blood pressure in check. Findings from research published in the Journal of Human Hypertension this year highlighted a remarkable decrease in blood pressure and a 14% lower risk of heart disease for individuals who embraced a potassium-rich diet during the study period.

Rhiannon Lambert, a registered nutritionist and author of The Science of Nutrition, explained: “Potassium works wonders by helping the body to remove excess salt from the bloodstream. Food rather than supplements is the best way to get enough, and bananas are a good source.”

Lentils, potatoes, avocados, dates, leafy greens, and surprisingly, sweet potatoes surpass bananas with their potassium content. A baked sweet potato with its skin is packed with 572 mg of potassium.

For those pursuing optimal health, savor your sweet potatoes baked or microwaved sans added sugars, and steer clear of canned varieties drenched in syrup.

Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with vitamins A, C, and several B vitamins. Vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotenes, plays a vital role in eye health, immune function, and skin vitality.

Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant, safeguarding cells from oxidative harm and boosting collagen production. Besides beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are rich in anthocyanins, particularly in purple-fleshed varieties.

These antioxidants can help mitigate the risk of chronic diseases by fighting oxidative stress and inflammation.

Despite their sweetness, sweet potatoes have a moderate glycaemic index, ensuring a steady release of sugar into the bloodstream, aiding in glucose regulation.

Their soluble fibre content aids this effect, promoting healthy digestion and satiety. The insoluble fibre in sweet potatoes enhances gut health by easing bowel movements and fostering the growth of beneficial colon bacteria, which helps combat inflammation.