Is it healthy to eat potato daily?
Did you know that potatoes were discovered as late as the 15th century by Spanish rulers? Before that, they were grown by Indica Indians in Peru in 8,000BC. We wonder how the world was surviving all this time without a vegetable that has now become the king of all vegetables! The Irish people also started cultivating potatoes to replace other fibre-rich grains like wheat and maize because they are more fulfilling and easier to grow, especially when the population is booming at a high pace. In today’s time, potatoes have become one of the most loved vegetables of all times as they have given us some of the best snacks and meals. From French fries to potato mash to a simple jeera aloo sabzi, potatoes never disappoint. If there is one thing that we potato lovers have wished for at least once in our lives, that is to be able to eat potatoes every day without gaining weight. But what would happen if we ate potatoes every day? Let’s find out:
Nutrients present in potatoes other than carbohydrates
Potatoes are rich in other nutrients other than just carbohydrates which is a much missed-out fact. The potato peel is rich in potassium and the flesh contains elements of magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium and calcium. These are also highly rich in Vitamin C and fibre which are good for the skin and gut health.
Takes care of bone health
Irish potatoes
The presence of calcium, magnesium and zinc in the potatoes help in building the bone structure and strength. Zinc and iron are also responsible for the maturation of collagen in the body. The little amount of phosphorus along with calcium ensures the proper bone mineralisation.
Good for heart health
One of the most common myths about potatoes is that it is also responsible for adding cholesterol to the body. Potatoes do not contain cholesterol in them at all. It is the cooking process that adds the cholesterol to it like deep frying. The levels of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, fibre and potassium and no cholesterol initiate good heart health. Fibre, specifically, is known to lower bad cholesterol and maintain a healthy heart.
Regulates blood pressure
To maintain a healthy blood pressure level in your body, it is important to consume less quantity of sodium in your diet. But increasing the intake of potassium is just as important because it helps in widening the blood vessels, creating vasodilation. Other nutrients such as calcium and magnesium are also known to lower the body’s blood pressure naturally.
Should you eat potatoes daily?
The answer is yes, if you know the art of portion control. The difficult and most crucial part is to consume a small portion of it every day. Adding a medium-sized potato in your diet will cause you no harm and might even help you lead a healthy life. Two of the most common mistakes that we make is that we consume variants of foods prepared with potatoes that are either deep-fried or are floating in cheese. And the other one is that we forget about the quantity and end up binging on a whole bag of chips.
Healthy ways to include potatoes in your diet
Give just one-fourth of the whole space to potatoes in your plate by preparing them like a side dish.
Do not increase the size of the potato. Medium size is equal to the mouse of your computer.
Choose ways to cook potatoes that do not include frying of any kind. Baking, roasting or steaming are just fine.
Try to wash them nicely so that you can utilise the skin as much as possible.
Add as many seasoning as you like but keep your hand light while adding salt to your potatoes.
