Health Benefits of Potatoes

Most of us love potatoes, we cannot imagine our vegetables without them. Their botanical name is Solanum tuberosum, and they belong to the family Solanaceae. These tubers are believed to be grown in Central and South America for the first time. About five thousand varieties of potatoes are grown all over the world. The health benefits are as follows:

• They are a rich source of vitamin C. This makes them very good for our immune system, heart, and skin. Diseases like scurvy, that is caused due to vitamin C deficiency, can be avoided with their inclusion in your daily meal.

• The presence of dietary fiber is recommended by health practitioners and potatoes are a valuable source of the same. Dietary fiber can actually help you burn extra calories.
• Some nutrients in sweet potatoes are known to have cholesterol lowering effects.

• They are also rich in vitamin B6 which is known to cure a number of diseases. Among its other benefits are the prevention of heart diseases, kidney stones, premenstrual syndrome, mental depression, etc.

The presence of vitamin B6 in potatoes, makes them an ideal ingredient in the meals for athletes. Allergies and reduction in strength of the immune system, caused due to insufficient Vitamin B6 in your diet, can also be made up by consuming potatoes.

• A single potato contains 897 mg of potassium. Its skin has a high concentration of potassium which is very necessary for cellular body functions. Even a slight deficiency of potassium (hypokalemia) can cause salt sensitivity and high blood pressure. Recently, scientists have discovered a compound 'kukoamine' in potatoes, which helps lower blood pressure.

• They also contain iron and copper. Iron is the most important component in maintaining the hemoglobin level of the body. Low iron intake causes lack of energy, dizziness, headache, and anemia. Copper along with iron is necessary for red blood cell formation.

• Vitamin A is present in ample quantities in sweet potatoes. It is very good for your eyes and skin, and is necessary for healing wounds.
• Potatoes make a wholesome and filling meal. They contain carbohydrates, which is a good source of energy. They facilitate easy digestion; hence, are beneficial in curing diarrhea.

If potatoes are so nutritional, where does the fault lie? It lies in the way we cook or eat them. We prepare a salty, fried, and fatty snack out of them. The skin that contains most of the nutrients is peeled off. While cooking, most of the vitamin C in the tuber is lost. Hence, it is better to eat them in the baked form, rather than in fried or grilled form.