March is National Nutrition Month and while it is still cold outside there are plenty of vegetables “in season” to take advantage of.  One of my favorites is the sweetpotato which just happens to be a rock star in our state. North Carolina is the number one sweetpotato producing state in the U.S.

Sweetpotatoes, especially orange and yellow ones, are an excellent source of health promoting antioxidants like vitamin A and C.  Vitamin A is important for eye health, as it improves night vision and decreases the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Vitamin A also helps fight off infection.  High amounts of vitamin C are also found in sweetpotatoes. One plain baked medium sweetpotato has close to 4 grams of fiber and about 103 calories. Not only does the sweetpotato promote good health throughout life, its versatility in the kitchen makes it an awesome healthy convenience food. Check out the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission’s website for all things sweetpotatoes and in case you are thinking my one word spelling of sweetpotato is a mistake you can learn more about that here.