Goodness of Potatoes
Potatoes are a favourite of most children. It is the staple food of Ireland and a hot choice of America. Yet young people fear eating potatoes. There is a common belief that potato contains no important vitamin or mineral and that it makes one fat. But the truth is that potato not only tastes good but it also has numerous good qualities and health benefits to categorize it as a good vegetable.
Potatoes are generally not considered as a vegetable. But the truth is that it is a vegetable and has as much goodness as any other vegetable. It is suggested by doctors to be included in one’s diet. A medium sized potato is equal to one cup of any other starchy vegetable.
Potatoes are richest sources of complex carbohydrates. These complex carbohydrates are the major fuel source of the body and the brain cells.
Potatoes are a very good source of potassium. It is perhaps the only vegetable with such high content of potassium. Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure.
Other than potassium, potatoes are also a good source of fibre, Vitamin B and Vitamin C. In addition, potatoes also have small amounts of nine other vitamins and minerals.
Potatoes, especially sweet potatoes act as very good antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are also good carotenoids which makes them very healthy for the eyes.
The goodness of potato is so well known among doctors that they suggest it should be included in the balanced healthy diet. The idea that potatoes make one fat is proved false as a medium sized potato is fat free and cholesterol free.
Potatoes can be consumed in numerous ways, can be baked into a pie or stuffed, can be taken with sour cream or topped with salsa. It can simply be boiled and eaten with a little butter. In all forms, potatoes are both the taste bag and the health bag of our diet.
