Potatoes are edible tubers, available worldwide and all year long. They are relatively cheap to grow, rich in nutrients, and they can make a delicious treat.

Benefits Of Potatoes

Potatoes are edible tubers, available worldwide and all year long. They are relatively cheap to grow, rich in nutrients, and they can make a delicious treat.

The humble potato has fallen in popularity in recent years, due to the interest in low-carb foods.
However, the fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals it provides can help ward off disease and benefit human health.



Fast facts on potatoes
Some evidence suggests that potatoes might help reduce inflammation and constipation
A medium potato contains around 164 calories and 30 percent of the recommended daily B6 intake.
A baked potato on a winter’s day makes an economical, warming, and nutritious treat.

Potatoes can be healthful if prepared in the right way.
A high intake of fruits and vegetables can benefit health and reduce the risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions.

Health Benefits Of Potatoes

Here are 10 ways in which the potato might contribute to a healthful lifestyle, including preventing osteoporosis, maintaining heart health, and reducing the risk of infection.

1) CANCER
Potatoes contain folate. Folate plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair, and so it prevents many types of cancer cells from forming due to mutations in the DNA.
Fiber intake from fruits and vegetables like potatoes are associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer.
Vitamin C and quercetin also function as antioxidants, protecting cells against damage from free radicals.

2) BLOOD PRESSURE
A low sodium intake is essential for maintaining a healthy blood pressure, but increasing potassium intake may be just as important. Potassium encourages vasodilation, or the widening of the blood vessels.
Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are all present in the potato. These have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally.

3) HEALTHY HEART
The potato’s fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health.
Potatoes contain significant amounts of fiber. Fiber helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Research based on the NHANES has linked a higher intake of potassium and a lower intake of sodium to a reduced risk of all-cause mortality and heart disease.

4) SKIN
Collagen is the skin’s support system. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant to help prevent damage caused by the sun, pollution, and smoke. Vitamin C also helps collagen smooth wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.

5)BONE
The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and zinc in potatoes all help the body to build and maintain bone structure and strength.
Iron and zinc play crucial roles in the production and maturation of collagen.


6) METABOLISM
Potatoes are a great source of vitamin B6. This plays a vital role in energy metabolism, by breaking down carbohydrates and proteins into glucose and amino acids. These smaller compounds are more easily utilized for energy within the body.

7) WEIGHT MANAGEMENT



Dietary fibers are commonly recognized as important factors in weight management and weight loss.
They act as “bulking agents” in the digestive system. They increase satiety and reduce appetite, so a person feels fuller for longer and is less likely to consume more calories.

8)DIGESTION
The fiber content in potatoes helps prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.



9)INFLAMMATION
Choline is an important and versatile nutrient that is present in potatoes. It helps with muscle movement, mood, learning, and memory.
It also assists in:
maintaining the structure of cellular membranes
transmitting nerve impulses
the absorption of fat
early brain development
One large potato contains 57 mg of choline. Adult males need 550 mg, and females 425 mg a day.

10) IMMUNITY
Research has found that vitamin C may help reduce the severity and duration of a cold. Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C.