Benefits of Potatoes – Staple food for many, Healthy for most.

In earlier posts, we have seen the benefits of onions and tomatoes. Now must see the other vegetable that is regular used, that is POTATOES and how they help for healthy living. Potatoes belong to Nightshade family like tomatoes and eggplants. And potatoes are considered a staple family vegetable. As most of you know, It is one of the root vegetables.

Potato flowers
Image by: ARS, USDA

Potatoes are a very popular food source. But unfortunately many people eat them in the forms of chips, French fries, baked potatoes etc. These types are loaded with fats and may be one of the reasons to contribute to heart attack. But without deep frying and without adding fat, potatoes are a high fiber food and with low calories that help significant protection against cardiovascular diseases and many others.

They are very good sources of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C with Potassium, Copper, Manganese, Phosphorous, Niacin, Pantothenic acid etc., Vitamin B6 helps our nervous system. B6 is necessary for creation of amines.

Potatoes also contain anti-oxidant properties. A study reveals that regular consumption of potatoes can lower high blood pressure. Another theory reveals that LECTINS contain in the potatoes inhibit cancer cells. One medium skin on potato provides 45 percent of our daily value of vitamin C and more potassium than a banana. This family favoured vegetable is just 110 calories.

Note: Lectins (contained in other nightshade plants, dairy etc) can cause problems for some. They should avoid the foods with high source of Lectin and also use fermentation, soaking etc, before cooking to get rid of Lectins in the vegetables before cooking

Boiled potatoes are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals like Potassium, Phosphorus with B complex Vitamins. Please note, potatoes are not inherently Fattening.

Colorful varieties of Potatoes
Image by Agricultural Research Service,
agency of USDA

There are more than 4000 varieties of potatoes with different in sizes (Check out the wikipedia link on Varieties of Potatoes) , in colours with different content of starch and flavour according to the cultivation.

Potatoes have natural starchy flavour, they serve as a good complement to many dishes in cooking and widely used by us. The skin of the potato is a concentrated source of dietary fiber. So to get the full benefit do not peel the skin fully. Just wash potatoes well and remove the unwanted bruises, deep eyes with the help of a knife and use it with the skin. Potatoes help to build a strong bones and muscles in our body.

So do not omit potatoes in your regular diet. Onions, Tomatoes and Potatoes are good combination is it not?

Your comments are welcome. Request you to give your comments regarding this post in the comments column and request to share the benefits with others.