Potatoes are versatile tubers and can make any dish tasteful. They are versatile and also affordable. They are a source of good carbohydrates and fiber. Know the health benefits of this tuber.
Potatoes: the versatile tubers
Potatoes are a staple of the diet of millions of people around the world. They can be made in a whole lot of delicious ways and are versatile tubers.
This varies from simple mashed potatoes to highly sophisticated dishes. Most of the dishes made out of potatoes are simple and easy to make. Moreover, these tubers are highly affordable. But that does not mean that they are not nutritious.
Potatoes grow underground (Source: Encyclopedia Britannica)Potatoes are underground tubers and belong to the nightshade family of plants. This family includes tomatoes and tobacco.
Their origin is in South America. From here, the migrants and tradespeople carried this tuber to Europe as well as the USA.
The nutritive value
Potatoes are nutritional powerhouses. They are simple tubers consisting mostly of carbs that are complex and whole.
They have natural dietary fiber and potatoes are minimally processed. Therefore, their nutrients remain intact and are not destroyed with the processing.
Potatoes are versatile (Source: Pinterest)These carbohydrates are required for the production of energy. This helps the physical and mental well-being and performance of an individual.
According to Potatoes USA, potatoes have a moderate amount of calories. 1 potato medium-sized gives 110 calories.
It has vitamin C that provides 30% of its daily requirements of it. Each potato also gives 620 mg of potassium. This is more than the amount one gets from eating one banana.
Additionally, it has no cholesterol or fat. One can bake or boil it. Potatoes have a lot of B-complex vitamins in them. It gives 10% of its daily requirements of it.
And it has iron to provide 6% of the daily requirements of this mineral. Potato has a lot of fiber in it. But remember that most of it are in the outer peel.
Therefore, it is healthy to have them with the skin on. Clean the potatoes to remove the dirt from the skin and cook it whole.
Moreover, potatoes have less sodium and are therefore good for hypertensives. They are also gluten-free and can be taken by those with celiac disease.
Health benefits
Going through the nutrients of potatoes, it is clear that it is low in sodium and high in potassium. Sodium is bad for blood pressure but potassium relaxes the blood vessels of the body. Hence, potatoes are good for arterial and heart health.
Read more: Make Crispy Mashed Potatoes. (Perfect for Brunch)
Potatoes are better if eaten with skin (Source: Cookie and Kate)Due to the high fiber in potatoes, they can help overcome constipation and are good for the bowels. They are complex carbs and are a source of energy for the eater. Due to fewer fats and no cholesterol, potatoes are also helpful in heart health.
They prevent the rise in blood cholesterol. Their rich minerals and vitamin content make them a healthy choice for any meal of the day. Due to no gluten, people with gluten intolerance and celiac disease can also eat them.