Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain fiber, vitamin A and calcium . But the way that scientists think they can make them even more healthful is literally shocking. Researchers found that giving a jolt of electricity to sweet potatoes increased the level of antioxidants known as polyphenols by 60 percent. The investigators placed sweet potatoes in a solution of sodium chloride. They found that 0.2 amps of direct current gave the potatoes nearly one and a half times more antioxidants than potatoes that weren't shocked. The research was presented at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. It seems that the electric zap stressed the potatoes into producing more polyphenols as a protective mechanism . And the treatment did not sacrifice flavor. Previous research has shown that electrically supercharging white potatoes increase antioxidant levels. So perhaps it's only a matter of time before other fruits and vegetables get shock therapy , too.