Potatoes are vegetable tubers that a lot of people around the world find delicious. Beyond the taste, however, potato nutrition values offer significant benefits to consumers. Our best five health benefits of potatoes are:
- Antioxidants: Potatoes are moderate sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential chemicals that help to prevent cancer by neutralizing other chemicals called free radicals, which are implicated in the development of cancer. Folate is another important constituent of potatoes, which helps lower the risk of cancer. Folate helps to repair the DNA, a feature that is beneficial to cancerous and damaged cells. For these reasons, regular consumption of potatoes is encouraged as part of efforts to fight cancer.
- They are nutritious: Potatoes have excellent levels of carbohydrate, protein, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, etc. which are needed by the body in normal quantities. In fact, a meal of potatoes does not only fill the stomach but provides a healthy amount of the RDA for certain nutrients. Wonder why potatoes are part of numerous diets? Wonder no more. Although potato nutrition values depend on the variety of potatoes, they generally have a similar range of values and tastes.
- They promote healthy heart and bone formation: The vitamins C and B6 present in potatoes promotes healthy cardiac conditions. The absence of cholesterol is an important factor in the development of a healthy cardiovascular system. Potatoes also contribute to the development of a healthy bone structure. The calcium and phosphorus content can be thanked for that.
- Digestion and appetite control: Potatoes contain large amounts of fiber, which makes digestion easier. Dietary fiber is usually in short supply in many diets, so the inclusion of a couple of potatoes can really help. Potatoes also fill the stomach well and can be used in controlling appetite. These fantastic vegetables also contain a compound called gluten, which actively promotes the absorption of glucose in the body.
- Lower blood pressure: A healthy blood pressure is necessary for cardiovascular health. The two most vital minerals that support healthy blood pressure are sodium and potassium, and potato nutrition values show moderate levels of these. Sodium has a low RDA of about 4700 mg; a medium-sized potato can meet about half of this requirement. Potassium is needed for vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels to decrease blood pressure), and the RDA can be met safely by including potatoes in the diet.
