Potatoes are some of the most popular foods worldwide and staples of many cultures. You can find them in almost any grocery store at affordable prices, and they can grow in a variety of settings.
In addition to being tasty, cheap, and ubiquitous, potatoes also provide many health benefits. With this in mind, here are the top four health benefits of eating potatoes regularly.
Potatoes Boast Sizable Nutritional Value
These tubers are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them excellent choices for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Some of these nutrients include protein, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, and manganese. However, the nutritional content varies among different types of potatoes as well as their method of preparation.
For instance, french fries will have more calories and fat than a simple baked potato. Also, the skins contain many of the vitamins and minerals, so if you peel your potatoes, you miss out on some critical nutrients.
They Help You Control Your Blood Sugar
Potatoes contain resistant starch, meaning your body doesn’t break down and absorb them. They actually benefit your gut bacteria instead, which helps your body reduce insulin, improving blood sugar levels in the process. Insulin resistance helps your body remove any excess blood sugar that’s left over after you eat a meal. In addition, if you properly store a boiled potato in your fridge for a night, you increase the amount of resistant starch in the potato.
They Contain an Abundance of Antioxidants
Compounds that serve as antioxidants, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, can be found in potatoes. Antioxidants reduce the harmful effects of free radicals throughout your body. These free radicals can accumulate and lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Consequently, researchers have found that potatoes reduce the risk of colon and liver cancer.
Another interesting fact is that purple potatoes could potentially have three to four times more antioxidants than their white counterparts, making them more effective at reducing free radicals.
They’re All Natural and Gluten Free
With gluten-free diets becoming increasingly more popular, consumers are looking for more options that help them conform to this lifestyle. Furthermore, although most people don’t experience adverse effects from gluten consumption, it can be extremely painful for those with celiac disease. Thankfully, potatoes are some of the most reliable foods you can find that are naturally gluten-free.
Overall, potatoes have so many health benefits that it’s hard to ignore them. Now that you know the top four health benefits of eating potatoes regularly, put them on your grocery list for next time!
