Regular Potato vs. Sweet Potato...nutritional differences?

[freewill39]

Hey, all. A friend of mine had heard that sweet potatoes have a lower carb content, and a different caloric content, than regular potatoes. Can anyone confirm, deny, and/or specificy these questions?

Thanks. - Freewill39.

[AbbySthrnAccent]

NUTRIENT INFORMATION FOR AN IDAHO POTATO
One medium, with skin (about 5.3 ounces)
Item Value

Calories 110
Carbohydrates 23
Fat 0 grams
Protein 3 grams
Fiber 2,710 mgs
Potassium 750 mgs
Cholesterol 0 mgs

Vitamins & Minerals Percent of U.S. R.D.A. ------ Vitamins & Minerals Percent of U.S. R.D.A.

Vitamin C 50% ------ Magnesium 8%
Vitamin B-1 (thiamin) 8% ------ Zinc 2%
Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) 2% ------ Phosphorus 8%
Niacin 10% ------ Iron 6%
Vitamin B-6 15% ------ Copper 8%
Folic Acid 8% ------ Pantothenic Acid 4%
Iodine 15%

and

Sweet potato, 1 sweet potato (raw)
Calories: 136
Protein: 2.1g
Carbohydrate: 31.5g
Total Fat: 0.39g
Fiber: 3.9g
*Excellent source of: Vitamin C (29.5mg), and Vitamin A (26,082 IU)

[Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker]

I would just add that the fact that we call them both “potatoes” does not mean they’re particularly closely related; the sweet potato being a member of the morning glory family (don’t know if there are any other edible members), and the “regular” potato being a member of the nightshade (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) family.

[LorieSmurf]

Also for some reason, sweet potatoes are more acceptable in controlled carb diets. On South Beach you should eat sweet potatoes instead of regular, I think. From what I remember, that is. I guess it’s got a lower glycemic index value, or something.