Above all, I am happy that some Nepalese have taken the tomato growing profession in Nepal seriously. They shouldn't hesitate to diversify its greenhouses by using plastic shelters to keep the optimum temperature fit for its plants and water dripping irrigation methods assisted by computer if necessary, even in cooler climates, so that they can deliver the same in clusters to the customers whole year round.

They should know that tomato and potato are found to be of the same genetic origin called as the genus solanum and they differ only in the structure of the leaves of their plants.

I try to venture down the nutritionist's line by trying my best to collect some practical information revealing some of those newly found facts that folks in a country like Nepal badly need to know so that no stones should be left unturned to eradicate the so-called 'hidden hunger' causing the cataract of eyes, osteoporosis, short height and rheumatism et al.

Above all, let me present some new facts about the most ignored queen of vegetables, namely sweet potatoes which was almost always neglected out of sheer ignorance about their health benefit ingredients.

Sweet potato ranks number one in nutrition

(Before I sit down and crib to log some of the data in my computer, I would advise the readers to google sweet potatoes to cross-check for themselves whether what I have mentioned on this thread are trustworthy or not).

Unanimously, nutritionists at the Center for Science in Public Interest (CSPI) in the USA are of the belief that the single most important dietary change for most people including children, would be to replace fatty foods with foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes.

CSPI ranked the sweet potato number one in nutrition of all available vegetables with a score of 184. It outscored the next highest one by more than 100 points. Naturally it was based on the content of dietary fiber, naturally occurring sugars and complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamin A , vitamin C, and calcium etc. The higher the score, the more nutritious the food.

Sweet potato baked:184

Potato baked: 83

Spinach:76

Kale: 55

Mixed vegetables: 52

Broccoli: 52

Winter squash, baked: 44

Brussels sprouts: 37

Cabbage raw: 34

Green peas: 33

Carrot: 30

Okra: 30

Corn on the cob: 27

Tomato: 27

Green pepper: 26

Cauliflower: 25

Artichoke: 24

Romaine lettuce: 24

The reasons behind the sweet potato taking the first place: Dietary fiber, naturally occupying sugars, complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamin A and C et al.

Sweet potato nutrition facts:

(For one medium size sweet potato)

Calories:130

Fat: 0.39 g

Protein: 2.15 g

Net carbs: 31.56g

Dietary fiber: 3.3 g

Calcium: 28.6 mg

Sodium: 16.9 mg

Potassium: 165.2 mg

Foliate: 18.2 mg

Vitamin C: 29.51 mg

Vitamin A: 26081.9 IU

(Source US Department of Agriculture)

Not only sweet potatoes contain the lowest glycemic index rating, they also digest slowly causing a gradual rise in blood sugar, so you feel satisfied longer. And they will definitely help you remain fit and slim.

And those who are frequent victims of rheumatism or osteoporosis must take every morning the blend of coffee and chicory.