As one of the most versatile vegetables, potatoes are rich in vitamins, fiber and other essential nutrients.
Potatoes are a low-calorie food – the average baked potato contains only 110 kilocalories. This vegetable is rich in phytonutrients, organic plant compounds that are thought to promote health. In particular, potatoes contain phytonutrients such as flavonoids and carotenoids, known antioxidants that fight inflammation. Potatoes also contain another antioxidant, vitamin C. According to studies, these antioxidant substances can prevent or delay certain types of cell damage, thereby preventing the development of cancer. In addition, they improve digestion, heart health, blood pressure.
In turn, the potato peel is distinguished by the content of a wide range of minerals, among which are potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Research data also suggests that potato skins have powerful antioxidant potential due to the presence of two dominant phenolic compounds: chlorogenic and gallic acids. These compounds may help maintain good heart health by reducing free radical damage to heart cells.
When potatoes are boiled and cooled, they develop a type of starch called resistant starch that acts like soluble fiber, helping you feel full and consume fewer calories. Thus, potatoes are useful even in the matter of losing weight.
How to eat potatoes with health benefits. It is best to eat them whole, in their raw form. Perhaps the healthiest way to cook a product is to bake it in the microwave with the skin on, in which case the loss of nutrients due to heat treatment will be minimal.
Boiled potatoes, not peeled and not chopped, are also useful. Boiling potatoes without skins can reduce the content of nutrients in them – for example, vitamin C and B vitamins.
Scientists have told why it is good to eat cherries the product contains minerals, proteins and fiber. It is best to supplement potato dishes with olive oil, herbs and herbs, salads.
Why it is good to eat potatoes: eight important reasons for health
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote about which foods are especially useful to maintain a healthy liver.