When we think of sweet potatoes, we often think of the starchy tubers that grace our dinner plates. But leaves are another part of the sweet potato plant that most people don’t notice. Even though these bright green leaves aren’t as well known, they have a surprising amount of culinary potential of their own.
Curious about sweet potato leaves’ toxicity? Don’t worry! While they do contain oxalic acid, it’s in low concentrations. With proper cleaning and moderation, you can safely enjoy sweet potato leaves.
Nutrients found in sweet potato leaves per 100 g [1, 2]
| Elements | Quantity (mg/100 g DW) |
| Na (Sodium) | 8.06−832.31 |
| Mg (Magnesium) | 220.2−910.5 |
| P (Phosphorus) | 131.1−2639.8 |
| Ca (Calcium) | 229.7−1958.1 |
| K (Potassium) | 479.3−4280.6 |
| Cu (Copper) | 0.7−1.9 |
| Zn (Zinc) | 1.2−3.2 |
| Mn (Manganese) | 1.7−10.9 |
| Fe (Iron) | 1.9−21.8 |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 0.856−1.498 |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.12−0.329 |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.248−0.254 |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.053−0.128 |
| Vitamin C | 0.0627−0.081 |
| Vitamin E | 0.00139−0.00284 |
| Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) | 0.32−0.66 |
| β-carotene | 0.273−0.4 |
| Biotin | 0.003−0.008 |
Benefits of Sweet Potato Leaves
Did you know that there are several scientific evidence where sweet potato leaves benefits immunity, lipid peroxidation, cardiovascular health and cancer prevention.
Check detailed article on: Sweet Potato Leaves Benefits
Potential Toxicity Concerns While Eating Sweet Potato Leaves
Most people think that sweet potato leaves are safe to eat, and they are often used as a leafy green veggie in many dishes. But it’s important to talk about the question of whether or not sweet potato leaves can be toxic and to talk about the dangerous chemicals if present.
Chemical Compounds Present in Sweet Potato Leaves
Sweet potato leaves contain naturally occurring compounds, some of which may be harmful in large amounts or in certain situations. One of these is oxalic acid, which is found in spinach, rhubarb, and other leafy veggies. Oxalic acid which is present in sweet potato leaves can combine with calcium in the body to make crystals that can cause kidney stones in people who are more likely to get them. [3, 4]
Factors Influencing Toxicity:
The toxicity of sweet potato leaves depends on a number of things, such as the type of sweet potato, how it is prepared, and how it is cooked. Different kinds of sweet potatoes may have different amounts of oxalic acid or other compounds that could be dangerous. How sweet potato leaves are cleaned and cooked can also affect how dangerous they are. By boiling, blanching, or steaming sweet potato leaves, you can lower the amount of oxalic acid they have and make them safer to eat. [5, 6]
Scientific Studies and Evidence Related to Sweet Potato Leaves Toxicity
Even though sweet potato leaves contain oxalic acid, scientific studies haven’t found any major health risks from eating them in moderation and the right way. But it’s important to keep in mind that eating too many sweet potato leaves, especially if you already have kidney problems or have had kidney stones in the past, may increase the risk of side effects.
Importance of Moderation and Proper Preparation of Sweet Potato Leaves
To eat sweet potato leaves properly, it is important to eat them in moderation and prepare them the right way. This means washing the leaves well to get rid of any dirt or chemicals and cooking them enough to lower the amount of oxalic acid they have. The amount of oxalic acid in sweet potato leaves can be greatly decreased by blanching or boiling them for a few minutes. This makes them much safer to eat.
In general, sweet potato leaves are safe to eat if they are cleaned and cooked the right way. Even though they have oxalic acid, there isn’t much to worry about if you eat them in moderation.
Before adding sweet potato leaves to your diet, you should talk to a doctor or other medical professional if you have any health issues or conditions.
FAQ 1: Can sweet potato leaves make you sick if you’re allergic to them?
Even though it is rare, some people can be allergic to sweet potato leaves. These responses can show up as rashes, itching, swelling, or problems with breathing, like wheezing or trouble breathing. If you think you might have an allergy reaction after eating sweet potato leaves, you should see a doctor.
FAQ 2: Can you eat raw sweet potato leaves?
Even though you can eat sweet potato leaves raw, it’s usually best to cook them first. When you cook sweet potato leaves, harmful chemicals like oxalic acid are less likely to cause problems. In some dishes, like salads or garnishes, it may be better to eat the leaves raw, but it is important to make sure they are well-washed and free of any contaminants.
FAQ 3: Can vegans, vegetarians, and other people with special diets eat sweet potato leaves?
Yes, sweet potato leaves are good for vegan and vegetarian diets as well as other eating plans. They are a healthy choice for plant-based eaters because they are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
FAQ 4: What are some other ways that sweet potato leaves can be used?
The leaves of the sweet potato can be used for more than just food. They can be fed to animals or put in compost to make the land more fertile. Also, sweet potato leaves can be used in traditional medicine because they might be good for your health.
FAQ 5: Are sweet potato leaves okay for animals to eat?
Yes, mice, goats, and cows can eat sweet potato leaves without getting sick. Because they have a lot of good nutrients, they are often used as forage or feed for cattle.
FAQ 6: Are there any types of sweet potato leaves that are less poisonous than others?
Different types of sweet potato leaves may have different chemicals in them, but no one knows for sure that one type is less dangerous than another. But cooking or blanching the leaves in the right way can help reduce the amount of possibly harmful compounds, making sweet potato leaves safer to eat.
FAQ 7: How do I know if the leaves of a sweet potato have gone bad?
Like other edible greens, sweet potato leaves go bad quickly and need to be eaten quickly. When food goes bad, it wilts, turns yellow, gets slimy, or has a bad smell. Before eating the leaves, it is important to check them carefully and throw away any that look like they are getting old.
FAQ 8: Have sweet potato leaves ever been used as medicine in the past?
Some tribes have used sweet potato leaves for medicine since the beginning of time. People say that they have many health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood sugar-lowering effects. But it’s important to remember that traditional uses should be used with care, and if you have specific medical issues, you should talk to a doctor.
FAQ 9: Can you freeze or keep sweet potato leaves?
Yes, you can freeze or save sweet potato leaves for later use. They can keep their nutritional value if you freeze them. To freeze the leaves, put them in hot water for a few minutes, let them cool in ice water, pat them dry, and put them in containers or freezer bags that won’t let air in. If you store sweet potato leaves well, you can keep them in the freezer for a few months.