Health Benefits of Potatoes
I’ll confess I thought that potatoes were a guilty pleasure at best. Mashed, fried, baked, or roasted, they were always my goto comfort food. But after some digging (pun intended), I found that potatoes are actually one of the most healthy and versatile foods out there.
Regardless of how terrible their reputation is founded on carb phobia, potatoes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to you. Let’s look at the appalling health benefits of potatoes and why you should think about embracing them instead of rejecting them.
Packed with Nutrients
Did you know that a medium-sized potato contains more potassium than a banana? It’s true! Potatoes are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and antioxidants that help keep our bodies performing at optimal levels.
- Potassium keeps heart muscles healthy and ensures blood pressure remains in balance.
- Vitamin C is an immune system booster and helps maintain skin health.
- Vitamin B6 is required for brain development and maintaining mood stability.
I was amazed when I discovered just how much of the essential nutrients are found in potatoes. Who knew that my beloved childhood snack was doing me some good?
Great Source of Fiber
If you need to improve digestion, potatoes are in your corner. Potatoes are a rich source of fiber, especially when you leave the skin on. Fiber aids in the digestion of food, maintains healthy guts, and can even help with weight management by keeping you full for longer.
Personally, I started to leave the skin on my cooked potatoes, and I could really tell a huge difference in feeling full after a meal. And it saves time when cooking double win.
Helps Heart Health
Potatoes contain compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids, which are known to possess heart disease risk reduction activity. The potassium also helps lower blood pressure, and potatoes are a heart-healthy food.
I once thought I needed to cut out carbs for a healthy heart, but it seems it’s all about balance. Cooked healthily (steamed, roasted, or baked), potatoes can really be a heart friendly powerhouse.
Provides Long Lasting Energy
One of the things I love about potatoes is that they give me sustained energy throughout the day. Potatoes have complex carbohydrates, which give off energy at a consistent rate, and are therefore a highly suitable choice for athletes, professionals, and anybody who needs to keep going all day.
I remember going low-carb in order to “get healthier” and I felt lethargic all day long. When I included potatoes (in small portions), my energy levels increased greatly.
Cooking Versatility
One of the greatest aspects of potatoes is how incredibly versatile they are. You can boil them, mash them, bake them, or create a delicious soup out of them. And they pair nicely with almost any type of food.
I like to vary it. One night I’ll have a simple baked potato with olive oil and herbs, and the next night I’ll prepare a potato soup that is packed with nutrients.
Don’t Fear the Potato – Embrace It!
I used to think for years that potatoes were something to be shunned. Now, though, I see them for what they are, a nutritious, delicious, and stimulating food that can be part of a healthy diet.
The next time you go shopping, don’t hesitate to grab some potatos. Baked, mashed, or roasted, you’ll be nourishing your body and enjoying every bite.
Dejan Balalovski
