7 Reasons You Should Start Eating Potato

Potatoes are one of the most common and important food sources on the planet, and they contain a wealth of health benefits that make them all the more essential as a staple dietary item for much of the world’s population. These health benefits include their ability to improve digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, boost heart health, protect from polyps, prevent cancer, manage diabetes, strengthen the immune system, reduce signs of aging, protect the skin, increase circulation, reduce blood pressure, maintain fluid balance, reduce insomnia, and boost eye health.

Amounts per 1 potato large (299g)

Vitamins

Vitamin A                  29.9

Vitamin C                  28.7mg

Vitamin D                  ~ 

Vitamin E                 0.1mg

Vitamin K                  6.0mcg

Thiamin 0.2mg

Riboflavin                 0.1mg

Niacin 4.2mg

Vitamin B6               0.9mg

Folate 83.7mcg

Vitamin B12 0.0mcg

Pantothenic Acid       1.1mg

Choline 44.2mg 

Betaine 0.6mg 

Minerals

Calcium 44.8mg

Iron                       3.2mg

Magnesium 83.7mg

Phosphorus 209mg

Potassium                1600mg

Sodium 29.9mg

Zinc                        1.1mg

Copper 0.4mg

Manganese 0.7mg

Selenium                  1.2mcg

Fluoride                    ~  

Healthy Bones

Minerals in potatoes such as phosphorous, iron, magnesium, calcium and zinc help with the maintenance of bone strength and structure.

Healthy Muscles

Carbohydrates are an important part of a post-exercise recovery meal. Glycolysis is the breakdown of carbohydrates and it’s important that enough carbohydrates are consumed to fuel glycolysis during and after activity. The carbohydrates from safe starches such as potatoes can rapidly replenish liver glycogen stores.

Prevents Cancer

Research has revealed that lectins like those present in potatoes inhibit cancer cell growth.

Cholesterol

Potatoes contain significant amounts of dietary fiber, which can help to lower blood cholesterol.

Healthy Heart

The potassium, fiber, vitamin B-6 and vitamin C content in potatoes provide support for a healthy heart. Diets which are high in foods rich in vitamin B6 are associated with reduced rates of heart disease. The cholesterol lowering properties of potatoes also help to reduce risk of heart disease.

Weight Loss

Research has demonstrated that people can incorporate potatoes into their diet and still lose weight. Researchers studied 86 overweight women and men over twelve weeks to determine how a reduced calorie diet with the addition of potatoes affected weight loss. The individuals were randomly allocated to 3 groups and each one had a diet that included 5 to 7 helpings of potatoes each week. The outcomes showed that all 3 groups lost weight.The soluble fiber in potatoes can also help with weight loss by providing a longer feeling of fullness.

Healthy Skin

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for collagen, the support system for the skin, promoting the ability of collagen to improve skin texture and smooth wrinkles.

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