Health Benefits Of Potatoes

Potatoes are starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade. Potatoes were introduced to Europe in the second half of the 16th century by the Spanish but today they are a staple food in many parts of the world. They are rich in carbohydrates and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium and zinc. They also contain Vitamins C, B and B6.

1. Improve general health:

As against the popular opinion that potatoes cause weight gain yet their caloric value is actually fairly low making them a good choice for meals. They also provide a reduction in cholesterol levels as they are half soluble and half insoluble.

2. Relieve Stress

Potatoes are a rich source of vitamin B6 and they help boost cell renewal. They also produce Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA), a hormone that can also reduce stress and help the brain set for relaxation.

3. Improve brain health:

The alpha lipoic acid, a co-enzyme present in the potatoes can help boost overall cognitive health. A number of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, phosphorus and B complex present in potatoes, positively affect the function of the brain.

4. Helps promote digestion:

Potatoes have high fibre content that aids digestion and promotes bowel regularity. They also help in quick recovery from diarrhea as they are also rich in potassium which is lost during diarrhea.

5. Good for bones:

Potatoes are rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and zinc and they help strengthen the bones. Iron and zinc plays critical roles in the production and maturation of collagen.