Sweet potatoes contain Omega 3, fatty acids magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc and vitamins A, B, C, K and E. It is considered as an excellent source of natural, health-promoting compounds known as beta-carotene and anthocyanin. Vitamins A, B, and C have antioxidant properties that help in fighting against damage caused by free radicals. Here are some ways you can use sweet potato and derive beauty and health benefits out of it.

1. Treats Oily Skin

Boil sweet potatoes. Let them cool and then mash them. Add a tablespoon of honey and spread this over your face. Let it stay for 20-30 minutes and wash off. You can also add 2-3 teaspoon lemon juice to it in case you have oily skin.

2. Improves Skin Texture

After boiling a sweet potato, do not throw away the water. It is packed with nutrients that can help in improving your skin texture and clear your complexion. After boiling sweet potatoes, strain the water. Store this water in a bottle and keep it in the refrigerator to cool down. Use this sweet potato water as a toner for the skin. This natural toner will help to absorb impurities, deep cleansing your pores and soothing irritated skin.

3. Cures Dry & Cracked Heels

In case you have dry feet and cracked heels, instead of cooling the water in which the sweet potatoes were boiled completely, let it remain a little warm and soak your feet in it. It will help in getting rid of painful cracked heels.

4. Heals Dark Eye Circles & Eye Puffiness

The next time you decide to eat this tasty vegetable, just take two slices and place them on your eyes. As mentioned before, anthocyanin helps in reducing pigmentation and has anti-inflammatory properties that will help in getting rid of dark circles, wrinkles and puffiness of eyes.

5. Prevents Premature Aging

To rejuvenate your dry skin, take one big sweet potato and boil it until it is soft enough that the skin can be pulled off easily. Take 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 tablespoon of ginger juice extracted by grating the ginger root and then sieve the juice out using a muslin cloth. Blend all the ingredients until you have a smooth paste. Apply the mask to your cleansed face and neck. Let it sit for 20-25 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. This mask will leave your skin fresh, hydrated and prevent premature aging. You can easily refrigerate the remaining unused face mask in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Also Read: Benefits of Watermelon Seeds

BY M. DIVYA SRI