POTATOES AND ITS BENEFITS
Potatoes are edible tubers, available worldwide and are grown all year round. They are one of the cheapest sources of vegetables you can find and are absolutely packed with nutrients. A medium sized potato contains 164 Calories and 30% of your daily B6 vitamin intake.
Here are some health benefits of the humble potato :-
Bone health – The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and zinc in potatoes all help the body to build and maintain bone structure and strength.
Blood pressure – Potassium encourages vasodilation, or the widening of the blood vessels and potatoes are known to have even higher content than bananas. Calcium and magnesium are all present in the potato. These have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally.
Heart health – The potato’s fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. Fiber in the potato helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Inflammation – Choline (of which 1 large potato will contain 57mg) is a nutrient that is present in potatoes that helps with muscle movement, mood, learning, and memory, maintaining the structure of cellular membranes, transmitting nerve impulses, the absorption of fat and early brain development.
Cancer – Potatoes contain folate which plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair, and prevents cancer cells from mutating. Fibre intake from the potato helps lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Vitamin C and quercetin also function as antioxidants which protects cells against free radical damage.
Digestion – Fibre in potatoes helps prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.
Weight management and satiety – Dietary fibre act as “bulking agents” in the digestive system. They increase satiety and reduce appetite, making one less likely to consume more calories.
Metabolism – Potatoes are a great source of vitamin B6 which plays a vital role in energy metabolism by breaking down carbohydrates and proteins into glucose and amino acids. These smaller compounds are more easily utilized for energy within the body.
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