Sweet Potato Inhibits Colon & Lung Cancer: A protein isolated from sweet potatoes was shown in this study to slow the growth of colon cancer cells by 65% in vitro, and when given to mice it slowed their colon cancer growth by 58%. Remarkably, the extract also inhibited lung tumors by 50% in the same mice. Other lab research has shown that sweet potato also potently inhibits leukemia, lymphoma and liver cancer cells. And in studies on humans, eating this super vegetable (alone or with other foods) has been associated with reducing the risk of kidney cancer by 56%, and gallbladder cancer by 67%, and breast cancer by 30% (when eaten three times weekly). Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C and manganese. Not only do they have a low glycemic index, but they’ve even been shown in a clinical trial to help reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in adults with type II diabetes! It may even help with weight loss: a new study has just shown that sweet potato actually reduces appetite and food intake (in mice)! So this holiday season try some new sweet potato recipes! They’re great in pie, oven-roasted with herbs and olive oil, boiled and mashed, baked, as stew or as fries. And alkalizing diet fans take note: sweet potatoes have 160% the alkalizing power of pure lemon juice!