In the food arena, Mr. Potato has earned a bad reputation, with many believing that this root vegetable is high in starchy carbohydrates and low in nutrients. In reality, this starchy member of the nightshade family carries enormous surprising health benefits.
According to the National Institute of Health, potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that create a shield against cancer and heart diseases. The fiber in potatoes that is half soluble and half insoluble aids you maintain lower cholesterol. The slowing down digestion characteristic of potato helps to keep you full longer. Indeed, great news for the calorie conscious Gen Y who have registered themselves for the self-help diet regime!
Those who are not aware of the nutrient values of the humble spud, carry on reading:
Potato prevents cardiovascular diseases
Potatoes are enriched in carbohydrates, protein, calcium, niacin and Vitamins C and B-complex that keep heart disease at bay and keep blood pressure at normal levels. They are even rich in carotenoids that promote the heart health along with the overall well being of our health. Again, the potato contains phytochemicals including flavanoids and kukoamine –the antioxidants associated with a lower incidence of heart disease and low blood pressure conditions respectively.
Increases the brain function
Potatoes increase the functions of our brain. The brain or nerve centre of our body is dependent on several helping hands, which is inclusive of balanced glucose levels, oxygen, vitamin B complex, amino acids, Omega-3 and other fatty acids etc. Potatoes have all these ingredients and trigger the brain to work smoothly as it should.
Potatoes are skin friendly
Rejoice skin-conscious people! A rich storehouse of vitamins C and B-complex as well as potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus, potatoes are reservoirs of all skin friendly minerals and good-willed vitamins for a glowing skin. Even potatoes in their raw form can be mashed and mixed with honey and applied to the skin. It works wonders. Raw potatoes have their usage even in the bruises and burns and provide ease to the pain.
Eating potatoes can trim down inflammation
This nightshade and wholesome vegetable is full of carbohydrates, protein, calcium, niacin and vitamin C. And as potatoes are rich in fiber, they are soft and can be easily digested. They are great antioxidants, thanks to the inherent presence of vitamin C which repair cells in the body and fights free radicals. They can relieve inflammation in the intestines and digestive track. One of the major reasons you should be adding potatoes to your daily diet.
Potatoes may offset incidence of kidney stones
Worldwide studies have indicated that potatoes have ingredients that are health friendly. For instance, potatoes are rich sources of magnesium, which can guard against the accumulation of calcium in kidney and thereby reduce the chance of the kidney stones.
Rich in protein
Protein intake is the path to a healthy diet. Regrettably, a lot of food rich in protein even invite our dear enemy ‘fat’. However, potatoes astonishingly have 3 grams of protein, but 0 grams of fat and only 110 calories per 5.3-ounce potato.
The nutritional value of this nutrition dense vegetable is heightened if it is baked and not fried.
Also, you will also need to curb or limit the number of potato intake with each meal if unfortunately the weight machine declares you overweight or if diabetes has fallen hopelessly in love with you. Moreover, it is advisable to contact your nutritionist to know how you can incorporate potatoes into your daily diet.
So, all veggies out there, if you are a potato man or woman you can give the non veggies a sleepless night by remaining healthy and protein savvy without having any meat actually!
edited by Neelam Goswami on 05-03-2014.
