Japanese Sweet Potatoes vs. Regular Potatoes: Which Is Better for Blood Sugar

Japanese sweet potatoes and "regular potatoes" (which typically refer to russet potatoes) are both root vegetables, but they have different flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.

1. Japanese Sweet Potatoes Are Better for Blood Sugar

You might be surprised to learn that, despite "sweet" being in their name, Japanese sweet potatoes are better for your blood sugar than regular potatoes.

Both Japanese sweet potatoes and regular potatoes contain a significant amount of carbohydrates—about 21.1 grams (g) in a 3.5-ounce (oz) serving. When you eat carbohydrates, they are transformed into glucose, which raises blood sugar.

Japanese sweet potatoes contain slightly more fiber than regular potatoes (3.3 g compared to 2.1 g in a 3.5-oz serving). Fiber helps slow the absorption of gluc