The vegetable so many people sadly try to avoid! POTATOES are you friend and Im here to show you.
Potatoes are available all year long worldwide. These edible tubers are not only tasty but also rich in nutrients. Growing potatoes is easy and cheap. From potato chips to roasted potatoes, you can create a variety of simple and healthy dishes out of this vegetable.
But potatoes have lost their popularity in recent years. That’s because more people are switching to low-carbohydrate diets. However, when consumed in a balanced way, potatoes have found to be ideal in warding off diseases and keeping you healthy. They are rich in minerals, fibers, vitamins, and phytochemicals.
These tubers are the largest vegetable crop grown in the United States. An average American consumes over 55 pounds or 25 kilograms of potatoes annually. Full of nutrients, this vegetable is a staple food item in most countries all across the world.
In this article, we are going to discuss the five benefits of potatoes. So without further ado, let’s get to the details.
Benefits
Following are some of the health benefits of potatoes:
1. Effective for patients with diabetes:
People with diabetes are always concerned about consuming foods with low sugar content. They avoid potatoes to keep their blood sugar levels down. Little do they know that potatoes are rich in nutrients and can actually improve their health. The key is portion control.
A healthy diabetic meal plan contains potatoes but is incorporated in correct portions. You can consult your nutritionist to learn about ideal serving to avoid a rise in blood sugar level.
2. Improve bone health:
Potatoes are rich in zinc, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients are important to strengthen bones and maintain their structure. Iron is an important nutrient that accelerates the production and maturation of collagen.
Phosphorus and calcium keep the bone structure intact and aid in the proper mineralization of bones.
3. Highest satiety rating:
Satiety is the full feeling you get after consuming a meal. Do you know boiled white potatoes are the highest in satiety rating? They have found out to be the best food for feeling full. They hold the first position in the satiety index.
This means if you have boiled potatoes for dinner, you are less likely to crave a dessert. You will feel full and satisfied after consuming a controlled portion of boiled potatoes for dinner.
4. High in choline content:
Potatoes are rich in choline. This versatile nutrient plays a vital role in promoting learning, strengthening memory, improving mood and muscle movement. It also:
Maintains cell membrane structure
Transmits nerve impulses
Absorbs fat
Helps in early brain development
Each large potato has 57 mg of choline, and an adult male body requires 550 mg of choline a day.
5. Stress relief:
Consuming potatoes can have a positive effect on your mind and body. It relieves physical and mental stress. Potatoes are rich in vitamin B6. This nutrient is essential for cell renewal. Potatoes also trigger the production of adrenalin hormone in the body, which helps in fighting stress.
It also produces GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid). This hormone is also essential in managing stress and preparing your body for sleep.
Consume a controlled portion of potatoes with your daily meals to add more nutrients and taste.
What is your favorite way to prepare the potato!?