Potatoes occupy a special place on our table. This root vegetable has become an integral part of the cuisine of many nations. However, the attitude towards potatoes is ambiguous: some consider them a real treasure trove of benefits for the body, while others point out the potential harm. Let’s find out what potatoes are useful and in what forms it is better to use.
Benefits of potatoes for the human body
Potatoes are rich in a number of essential substances: vitamins (especially C and B group), minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron), fiber and antioxidants. These elements make it a valuable product for maintaining health.
Health benefits for men
Men benefit from potatoes due to their high potassium content, which supports the cardiovascular system. It helps normalize blood pressure, which is especially important for those who engage in intense physical activity. Protein contained in potatoes helps in the repair of muscle tissue.
Benefits for women
For women, potatoes are useful due to their ability to improve the condition of the skin. Masks made from raw potatoes help fight inflammation and improve the complexion. In addition, vitamin B6 helps regulate the hormonal background and helps with the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Benefits for children
Potatoes are an easily accessible source of energy for the growing body. Due to its soft texture, it is easily digestible and suitable even for baby food. However, it is important to cook potatoes properly for children, avoiding excessive fat and salt.
Benefits of potatoes in different forms
The way potatoes are prepared plays a key role in their effects on the body. Here’s how different variations can be beneficial to your health:
- Boiled potatoes. It is considered the healthiest as it retains maximum nutrients. It is good for stomach function and helps with gastritis and other GI diseases.
- Raw potatoes. Contains more vitamin C and enzymes that improve metabolism. The juice of raw potatoes helps in heartburn and gastritis.
- Potatoes in salad. Often used in cold form. Such potatoes contain resistant starch, which positively affects the intestinal microflora.
- Stewed potatoes. Rich in fiber, which improves digestion. When cooked with vegetables, it becomes even more useful due to the harmonious combination of vitamins.
Harm of potatoes for the body
Despite the obvious pluses, potatoes can cause harm if consumed incorrectly. Fried potatoes: due to their high fat and calorie content when fried, they can provoke weight gain and raise cholesterol levels. Old or green potatoes: contain solanine, a toxic substance that can cause poisoning. Overconsumption: large amounts of potatoes in the diet can lead to excess starch, which increases the risk of weight gain.
Learn useful facts about potatoes and their benefits
- The homeland of the potato is South America. The potato was first cultivated about 8,000 years ago in the region of modern Peru and Bolivia. Local peoples considered it a sacred plant.
- Potatoes were not eaten in Europe at first. When potatoes first appeared in Europe in the 16th century, they were long cultivated as an ornamental plant. People were afraid to eat the tubers, considering them poisonous, and used the flowers to decorate clothes and hairstyles.
- The most popular vegetable in the world. Potatoes are among the four most widely grown crops after rice, wheat and corn. More than 350 million tons of potatoes are produced in the world every year.
- Potatoes were the first crop to be grown in space. In 1995, NASA and scientists from the University of Wisconsin conducted a successful experiment aboard the space station.
- Potatoes as medicine. In folk medicine, potatoes were used to treat burns, inflammation, and headaches. Raw potatoes were applied to the skin to relieve itching and redness.
- There are over 4,000 varieties of potatoes in the world. From purple and red to plain white, the variety of potato varieties is astounding. Each variety has its own distinctive flavor and texture.
- World’s Largest Potatoes. The record potato weighing 4.98 kg was grown by British farmer Peter Gleisbrook in 2010.
- Potatoes as currency. In the 18th century, some European countries allowed peasants to pay taxes with potatoes. In Ireland, potatoes were a staple food for a long time and were considered the “second bread”.
- Potato stamps for creativity. Children are often encouraged to use cut potato tubers to make homemade stamps. This is an easy and fun way to create drawings.
- Potato Crisis in Ireland. In the mid-nineteenth century, Ireland experienced the Great Potato Famine due to massive crop damage from phytophthorosis. This led to the deaths of a million people and mass emigration.
- Potatoes as energy for the light bulb. Scientists have discovered that potatoes can be used to generate electricity. Plugged into a battery, it can power a small light bulb or charge a phone.
- Purple potatoes are healthier than regular potatoes. Purple potatoes contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that boost immunity and slow aging.
Potatoes are a versatile food that can be healthy for men, women and children when consumed properly. To maximize the benefits, choose healthy cooking methods: boiled, stewed or baked potatoes. But fried potatoes and old tubers are best avoided. In moderation, potatoes will become an indispensable source of energy and nutrients for the whole family.
To learn about the benefits of other products, go to the Benefits food page.