5 Health Benefits Of Potato You Were Missing On

Potato is probably the most loved vegetable. It goes very well with every other vegetable and is found in almost every kitchen across the globe. It is one of the most consumed crops in the world. Whether it is in the form of a curry, dry sabzi, fried or mashed, we love it. Although, potatoes were earlier used mainly in curries, it has become popular finger food and is considered as a comfort food. Potatoes, contrary to the belief, are not fattening. It leads to weight gain depending on the way it is prepared. You can make potatoes without butter or cream to reduce the number of calories. Potatoes are not just delicious it has many health benefits. Here is a list of some of the health benefits of eating potatoes.

* Lowers blood pressure

Baked potatoes are rich in potassium and magnesium, which are important for healthy heart. Deficiency of potassium in our body leads to retention of sodium, which raises blood pressure. Eating baked potato will help in getting rid of extra sodium and keep blood pressure in control. According to Fitness Institute of Texas nutritionist Victoria Jarzabkowski, potato can help lower the cholesterol level. The fiber content in potatoes binds with the blood cholesterol and excretes it.

* Rich in vitamin C and B-Complex

Potatoes are rich in B-Complex vitamin and vitamin C. B-Complex helps the body in forming blood cells, while vitamin C boosts immunity. A medium-sized, unpeeled potato offers almost half of the recommended daily requirement of vitamin C.

* Good source of antioxidants

The vegetable is rich in antioxidants, which protects cells against the free radicals formed due to oxidation in the body. A medium-sized potato with skin has ORAC (a measure of the total antioxidants in 100 grams) value of 1,680, which is more than sweet potato (766).

* Rich in potassium

Potato is packed with vitamins and minerals. A baked potato contains twice as much as the potassium content present in a banana. The method of preparation matters a lot. The amount of potassium decreases by 75 percent if you cut it into pieces and boil it.

* Improves digestion

The fiber content in potato helps in prevention of constipation. The vegetable improves bowel movement and keeps the digestive tract healthy. It is also a good option for those who have difficulty in digesting foods.