Meta-Analysis of Sweet Potato's Nutritional Value and Its Role in Disease Prevention

This study provides a comprehensive review of the nutritional composition of sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam), its potential health benefits, and its application prospects in chronic disease prevention. The bioactive compounds found in sweet potatoes, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, exhibit significant health-promoting effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. The high β-carotene content in orange-fleshed sweet potatoes is critical for alleviating vitamin A deficiency, while the anthocyanins in purple-fleshed sweet potatoes are closely associated with improved cardiovascular health due to their strong antioxidant capacity. This article systematically summarizes the mechanisms through which these bioactive components enhance glucose sensitivity, regulate gluconeogenesis, and reduce oxidative stress by modulating metabolic pathways (e.g., PI3K/AKT signaling pathway). Additionally, the importance of dietary fiber in promoting gut health and stabilizing blood glucose levels is highlighted, aiming to better promote the use of sweet potato in disease prevention and health promotion.