Potatoes are a versatile root veggie that is a staple in many families. They are a type of underground tuber that is found on the Solanum tubes plant. Potatoes come in a variety of sizes, all are affordable, and they are very nutritious.
Here are seven great health and nutritional benefits of potatoes.
- Contains A Lot Of Nutrients
Potatoes have high amounts of vitamins, minerals.
One medium baked potato (6.1 ounces or 173 grams), including the skin, contains the following nutrients:
- 161 calories
- 2 grams of fat
- 3-gram protein
- Carbohydrates, 36.6 g
- Fiber content is 3.8 g
- Vitamin C (28.8% RDI)
- 27% RDI Vitamin B6
- 26% RDI for potassium
- Manganese 19% of RDA
- Magnesium (12% of RDI).
- Phosphorus (12% of RDI).
- Niacin is 12% of the RDA
- Folate – 12% of the RDA
- Antioxidants Are Present
Potatoes contain high levels of flavonoids (carotenoids) and phenolics.
These substances are neutralizing free radicals inside the body. Free radicals may cause heart disease and diabetes as well as cancer.
A test-tube study revealed that potato antioxidants might lower the chances of colon and liver carcinoma cells.
Purple potatoes have three to four times the antioxidants of white potatoes. They may be more effective in fighting free radicals.
- Blood Sugar Control May Improve
Potatoes are resistant to starch.
Starch isn’t digested, absorbed, or used. It feeds off helpful microbes found in the large intestinal tract.
Insulin resistance decreases when you eat resistant starch. This improves blood sugar control.
A mouse study revealed that resistant starch reduces insulin resistance. This means that their bodies remove blood sugar quicker.
Type 2 diabetics who ate resistive starch after meals had lower blood levels.
Ten patients were each given 30g of resistant Starch every day for four weeks. Insulin resistance decreased by 33% using resistant starch
Potato-resistant Starch: Increase. Refrigerate cold-boiled potatoes overnight.
- May Improve Digestive Health
Potassium starch may help improve your gut health.
The large intestine’s microbes can be fed resistance starch. It is consumed by bacteria which then make short-chain fat acids.
The starch that is potato resistant is converted into butyrate.
Butyrate reduces colon inflammation, boosts defenses, and lowers colorectal risk.
Butyrate may be useful in Crohn’s, ulcerative Colitis, and Diverticulitis.
- Naturally Gluten-Free
Gluten-free is becoming a global trend. Gluten is a protein found naturally in spelled wheat, barley, and Rye.
Gluten is rarely a cause or effect of illness.
Gluten can cause severe discomfort to people with a celiac disorder or gluten sensitivity. These symptoms include diarrhea, constipation (bloating), stomach pain, and rashes.
Gluten-free potatoes are available.
Many potato dishes aren’t Gluten-Free. Au gratin is gluten-free, as is potato bread.
Take note of ingredients for potato dishes that may contain gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- Incredibly Filling
Potatoes, in addition to being nutritious, are also filling.
11 people were asked to rate the satisfaction of 38 different dishes. Potatoes receive the highest level of fullness.
It was found that potatoes are seven times more nutritious than croissants.
It is possible to lose weight by filling up food.
- Extremely Versatile
Potatoes can be healthy, delicious, and adaptable.
Potatoes can either be baked, boiled, or steamed. You should not cook potatoes in too much oil. This can lead to a higher calorie count.
Do not remove the potato skin. Most nutrients are already there. This will ensure the potato gets the most nutrients..