Potatoes (Solanum Tuberosum) are a very popular food source. In some countries, these tuber even become an important staple food.
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, bacon bits and sour cream that make potatoes a potential contributor to heart attack.
But keep away from deep fryer and extra fat, potatoes are very healthy low-calorie and high fiber foods that offer significant protection against several disease and keep body healthy.
According to calorie count, potatoes have a lot of nutritional value which are essential source for human body.
Nutritional value in Potatoes, White, Flesh And Skin, Baked
Serving size: 1 small potatoes (138g)
Here are some health benefits of Potatoes:
- Weight gain
Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and less protein. This makes it an ideal diet for those who are thin and want to increase body weight. The vitamins contained in potatoes like vitamin-C and B-complex are also essential for proper absorption of this carbohydrate. That’s why it become an inevitable part of the diet for Sumo Wrestlers. - Digestion
Since potatoes 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-C, B-complex and minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc are good source for the skin care. Pulp obtained in 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
Nutrient contained 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
Some nutrient like vitamins, calcium and magnesium in potatoes can help reduce rheumatism.
Apart from some health benefits mentioned above, potatoes are also good for heart, energy recovery when diarrhea and other illnesses. Are you still afraid to eat potatoes? As long as you do not consume excess, a portion of French fries are also have health benefits.
