Sweet Potatoes for Healthy Skin, Our Picks (Including Food Storage!) + Recipes

Try the Avocado Toast Recipe!

Happy Friday! It’s been another week of great content and there’s more to look forward to.

On Monday, we shared foods that can support better sleep, some smart food storage tips, and how Diana managed pregnancy as a vegetarian. On Wednesday, we dug into the debate around saturated fat - is it really as bad for us as we’ve long been told?

We’re also so excited to share more about the launch of The Weil Nutrition Corner™ Nourished Mama Collective, a new series from Diana launching next week. These Wednesday posts will be free for all moms, grandmas, moms-to-be, and anyone interested in nutrition during pregnancy and beyond. You can learn more and sign up for the mailing list at the link below.

And today, we’re spotlighting why sweet potatoes deserve a spot in your diet when it comes to healthy, glowing skin. Plus, we’re sharing a delicious sweet potato recipe. We’re also bringing you our favorite weekly picks and a member-only recipe you’ve been asking for: Avocado & White Bean Toast!

We want to know: Do you like avocado toast? What do you like to top it with? Share in the comments.

(P.S. Become a paid subscriber to join the full conversation.)

Food as Medicine: Sweet Potatoes For Healthy Looking Skin

Sweet potatoes are versatile, inexpensive, nutritious, and most of all - delicious. Diana especially loves roasted sweet potatoes, and makes them weekly!

Learn more about these root vegetables, including why they are great for skin health. We’re also sharing a Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie, featuring sweet potatoes - enjoy!

Skin Benefits of Eating Sweet Potatoes

Eating sweet potatoes may help the look and feel of your skin by:

• Promoting a natural glow, from the carotenoids that give skin a healthy radiance.

• Protecting against aging, via the antioxidants that reduce free radical damage that contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Supporting clear skin through vitamin A, which helps regulate skin cell turnover, potentially helping reduce breakouts.

• Keeping skin hydrated, via the potassium content in sweet potatoes, which is an essential electrolyte that helps balance fluids and prevent dehydration-related dullness.

4 Reasons Why Sweet Potatoes Are Good For Your Skin

Sweet potatoes can be a great addition to your diet if you’re concerned about skin health thanks to a few key nutrients. Sweet potatoes deliver:

1. Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A precursor). Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A - crucial for cell turnover, helping skin look smooth, and reducing the buildup that can cause clogged pores.

2. Vitamin C. This vitamin supports collagen production, which helps keep skin firm and elastic, while also aiding in the repair of UV and environmental damage.

3. Vitamin E. Vitamin E works alongside vitamin C to protect skin from oxidative stress and premature aging.

4. Antioxidants. Healthy skin thrives on antioxidants, and sweet potatoes deliver! The vibrant orange color comes from carotenoids, which act as natural UV protectants, helping reduce sun-related skin damage over time.

5. Fiber. Necessary for vital functioning, fiber promotes healthy digestion and a balanced gut microbiome, which is strongly linked to clearer, calmer skin.

Eating More Sweet Potatoes

Simple ways to get more sweet potatoes into your diet include:

• Roasted or baked as a simple side dish with olive oil and herbs.

• Mashed into soups or stews to add creaminess and nutrients.

• Blended into smoothies - cooked sweet potatoes pair well with cinnamon and nut milk for a skin-boosting treat.

• Substitute for regular baked potatoes for a nutrient rich side dish.

• Mashed with a little olive oil and eaten on their own - a naturally delicious sweet treat that people of all ages love!

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Weil Nutrition Corner™ Takeaway

Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse food for skin health due to their high beta-carotene, vitamin C, and antioxidant content. Regularly incorporating them into your diet can help your skin appear healthier, more radiant, and more resilient. In general, they are also tend to be pretty inexpensive. Bottom line: Add sweet potatoes to your menu!

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Sweet Potato Recipe: Vegetarian Shepard’s Pie

This recipe is a twist on the traditional shepherd’s pie using sweet potatoes, lentils, and zucchini!

Every Friday, we share a quick roundup of products we actually use and love or would recommend - whether in the kitchen, at the table, or while shopping. These are the tools and staples that make cooking, serving, storing and clean-up easier and more enjoyable.

Pure Encapsulation Magnesium Glycinate. As mentioned in our post about sleep, I wanted to share what I personally take before bed: 300 mg magnesium glycinate every night. There are a lot of good brands to choose from, but I like this one from Pure Encapsulation. - Diana

William’s Sonoma Hold Everything Food Storage. Investing in good-quality glass storage is something you won't regret. We like this set because you can clearly see what is inside, you can safely reheat in the microwave, and the lids lock and seal in foods. - Dr. Weil and Diana

Stagg Electric Tea Kettle. We both love drinking tea, and this temperature-controlled tea kettle is a favorite. It’s a bit pricier, but it's something we both use every single day. Having a temperature-controlled kettle is particularly needed if you’re a matcha drinker, as matcha can easily burn if the water is too hot. - Dr. Weil and Diana

Avocado & White Bean Toast with Lemon + Chili Flakes

This avocado toast recipe is a powerhouse of nutrients: Fiber from the bread, healthy fats from the avocado, and protein from the beans… the best part is that it is easy to make, filling and delicious! Perfect for breakfast or lunch.