5 Reasons Why Potatoes are Really a Superfood
Potato is a popular comfort food that’s delicious in any way it is prepared, whether mashed, baked or roasted, but unfortunately, has long been getting a bad rap. It’s really unfair for this filling, non-fattening crop that is relatively low in calories to be labelled as ‘unhealthy’. It’s true that potatoes are often smothered in cheese, drowned in mayo and cream, or deep fried. But when they are prepared the right way, they can be a regular source of essential vitamins and minerals that can significantly boost your health.
Below are the major reasons why potatoes are really a health food:
They contain blood pressure-lowering compounds.
UK scientists at the Institute for Food Research have identified certain compounds (kukoamines) in potatoes that may be effective in lowering blood pressure. Such compounds are also present in tomatoes. Another thing, one large potato baked with the skin on contains whopping 1,600 milligrams of potassium, which is almost half the recommended daily amount, and four times as much as that of a medium-sized banana. Potassium doesn’t only aid in improving your athletic performance, it also has an important role in lowering blood pressure. According to Lawrence Appel, MD, MPH, a professor of medicine, epidemiology, and international health at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions who made a study on this mineral, potassium may curb elevated blood pressure by contributing to more flexible arteries, and by helping the body get rid of excess sodium.
They are nutrient-dense.
When do you say your food is nutrient-dense? It’s when you get more nutrients for the amount of calories they have. And potatoes are among the nutrient-dense foods you can easily get anywhere. Aside from potassium, they contain flavonoids, vitamins A, B and C, fibre, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese, and so much more.
They can actually aid in weight loss.
Contrary to popular belief, potatoes are not fattening. In their purest form, potatoes are naturally high in fibre. One large spud with the skin on has 7 grams of dietary fibre, which is 25% of the RDA. Studies show that a diet high in fibre can promote weight loss by improving digestion, increasing metabolism, and boosting satiety levels.
They help fight chronic inflammation.
Potatoes are loaded with vitamin B6, which has a big role in fighting inflammation – one of the major risk factors for chronic illnesses, including cancer. Also known as a B complex vitamin, B6 helps the body metabolise fats and protein, and help the nervous system function properly. Vitamin B6 is also involved in the production of several neurotransmitters – chemicals that carry signals from one nerve cell to another. Therefore, it has a major role in normal brain development and function, especially in the production of hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which influence mood, and melatonin, which helps regulate the body clock. Furthermore, this very important nutrient may also boost heart health, athletic performance, and cell development. The same large serving of potato has 46% of your daily recommended B6.
They’ve got loads of vitamin C.
In the skin of potato you will find 29 milligrams of vitamin C, nearly half of your goal for the day. That’s more than a third of what you can get from orange. Vitamin C is considered the queen of all vitamins because it plays a crucial role in numerous body functions. Among its major benefits include boosting the immune system, fighting infections, and increasing the body’s ability to self-repair.
To sum up, potatoes are really a health food. But the way we usually prepare them reaps off their amazing benefits. So take away the extra fat, mayo, cream and bacon bits, as well as the deep frying. Baked potato is an exceptionally healthful low calorie, high fibre food that offers significant protection against cardiovascular disease, cancer and many other health problems.
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