Here are some facts about sweet potatoes you probably don't know:

　　这里有一些关于红薯你可能还不知道的事实：

　　Sweet Potatoes Originated in the Americas

　　红薯起源于美洲

　　They're in the family of plants that includes morning glories and are in a different family than yams. Yams are from Africa and are more closely related to lilies.

　　红薯和牵牛花是同一科的植物，但和山药不属于同一科。山药源于非洲，和百合花关系更近。

　　A 5000 Year-Old Food

　　红薯有5000年的历史

　　When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in the 15th century, sweet potatoes were already a staple crop. He took some with him back to Spain and by the 16th century, gardens all over Europe were growing them.

　　15世纪哥伦布到达美洲，那时红薯已是当地的主要作物了。他带了一些回西班牙，到了16世纪整个欧洲的花园都种植红薯。

　　A Rich Source of Beta-Carotene

　　红薯富含β-胡萝卜素

　　This powerful antioxidant gives the tuber its yellow, gold, or orange (and sometimes even purple) coloring and coverts to vitamin A in your dog's body. It's thought to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and provide protection against heart disease.

　　强大的抗氧化剂使得这种块茎呈黄色、金色、或橙色(有时甚至呈紫色)，并在你的体内转化成维生素A。有降低患某些癌症风险的功效，并预防心脏病。

　　A Good Source of Minerals

　　富含矿物质

　　Sweet potatoes are a good source of potassium, manganese, and magnesium. They also contain calcium, iron, and zinc but are low in sodium.

　　红薯富含钾、锰、镁，同时也含有钙、铁、锌，但钠含量比较低。

　　High in Fiber, Low in Fat

　　高纤维、低脂肪

　　Sweet potatoes are high in dietary fiber which is great for digestive health. Plus, they contain very little fat.

　　红薯富含膳食纤维，对消化大有健康益处。另外，红薯含的脂肪很少。

　　A Healthy Alternative

　　健康的选择

　　White potatoes may be cheaper than sweet potatoes but sweet potatoes have more nutritional value. Plus, white potatoes have more carbohydrates which can lead to obesity and blood sugar problems.

　　土豆比红薯便宜，但红薯的营养价值更高。另外，土豆含的碳水化合物偏多会导致肥胖和血糖问题。

（编辑：何莹莹）