Potatoes (Solanum Tuberosum) are a very popular food source. In some countries, these tubers even become an important staple food.
Potatoes are actually very healthy for you. Unfortunately, many people eat potatoes in the form of oily french fries or potato chips and even baked potatoes which are usually mixed with fats such as cheese, butter, and sour cream that makes it a potential contributor to heart attack.
But keep away from deep fryer and extra fat, potatoes are a very healthy low-calorie and high fiber food that offer significant protection against several disease and keep the body healthy.
According to calorie count, the nutritional value of one small baked potato (138g) is as shown below:
Health benefits of Potatoes:
- Weight gain
Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and less in protein, making it an ideal diet for those who want to increase their body weight. The vitamins contained in potatoes like vitamin C and B-complex are also essential for the proper absorption of this compound. - Digestion
Since potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, so it is easy to digest and facilitate digestion. This makes them a good diet for patients, babies and those who difficult to digest but require energy. - Skin care
Vitamin B-complex, vitamin C and some minerals, like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, are good sources for the skin care. The pulp obtained from crushed raw potatoes, mixed with honey, can also be applied as a poultice in clearing the wrinkles and other skin blemishes due to aging. - Brain function
Proper brain function largely depend on oxygen supply, glucose level, magnesium, some members of the vitamin B complex and some hormones, such as amino acids and fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids. Potatoes meet almost all the needs mentioned above. In addition, it contains certain other substances like zinc and phosphorus which are good for brain too. - Inflammation
The nutrients in potatoes like vitamin C, vitamin B and potasium are good source to relieve inflammation, both internal and external such as inflammation of intestines and the digestive system. Since it’s soft and easy digestible then make them a good diet for those who have mouth ulcers. - Rheumatism
Potatoes are an excellent source of calcium and magnesium which can help reduce rheumatism.
Apart from the health benefits mentioned above, potatoes are also beneficial for the heart health, boosting energy and treating certain other illnesses.
