Sweet potato helps to regulate hormone production, regulate menstrual cycles, improve cervical fluid and follicle development and boost immunity. Sweet potato also contains a great dose of Vitamin A which is required in reproductive health and contains fiber and iron which is essential for fertility health. They can also alleviate symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis as sweet potato are a great source of antioxidants that have anti inflammatory benefits.
Sweet potato can also aid sperm maturation and sperm count so men this is definitely one you can include in your diets!
In TCM, sweet potato is promotes Qi energy and increases quantity of milk in lactating women and removes toxins.
Sweet Potato Spinach and Lentil Dhal Recipe
Ingredients:
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
thumb-sized piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1 red chilli, finely chopped
1½ tsp ground turmeric
1½ tsp ground cumin
2 sweet potatoes, cut into even chunks
250g red split lentils
600ml vegetable stock
80g of spinach
4 spring onions, sliced on the diagonal, to serve
½ small pack of Thai basil, leaves torn, to serve
Method:
1. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wide-based pan with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Add 1 finely chopped red onion and cook over a low heat for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Add 1 crushed garlic clove, a finely chopped thumb-sized piece of ginger and 1 finely chopped red chilli, cook for 1 min, then add 1½ tsp ground turmeric and 1½ tsp ground cumin and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Turn up the heat to medium, add 2 sweet potatoes, cut into even chunks, and stir everything together so the potato is coated in the spice mixture.
5. Tip in 250g red split lentils, 600ml vegetable stock and some seasoning.
6. Bring the liquid to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook for 20 mins until the lentils are tender and the potato is just holding its shape.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then gently stir in the 80g spinach. Once wilted, top with the 4 diagonally sliced spring onions and ½ small pack torn basil leaves to serve.