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Overview

The mighty spud is one of the most popular foods. Behind, rice, wheat and corn, potatoes make the top four harvested foods in the world. However, they have fallen somewhat in popularity in recent years due to the rising of low-carb diets, and the widespread misconception that potatoes are not so great for your health.

When fried or eaten with plentiful butter, cream or cheese, then yes the spud is not going to be as healthy for you as it could be. However, when baked or boiled, potatoes can find their rightful place in your diet.

Which is a good thing as well as they have a lot to offer . . .

15 Potato Benefits

1. Good Nutrition
2. Blood Pressure
3. Brain Function
4. Immunity Booster
5. Blood Sugar
6. Stress Relief
7. Improves Satiation
8. Bone Health
9. Kidney Stones
10. Reduces Inflammation
11. Aids Digestion
12. Heart Health
13. Cancer Prevention
14. Restores Electrolytes
15. Promotes Sleep

1. Good Nutrition

Potatoes contain many nutrients such as phosphorus, zinc, manganese, calcium and vitamins, B6, B and C. They also have a fair amount of protein.

2. Blood Pressure

The potassium content contains in potatoes helps lower blood pressure. Potatoes are high in fibre which can help manage cholesterol levels, and in turn, control blood pressure. They help balance sodium levels, and they contain chlorogenic acid, which is a chemical that contributes to lower blood pressure.  

3. Brain Function

Vitamin B6 has brain-boosting properties by creating certain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. The high level of carbohydrates can also provide the needed energy required for optimal brain function, relating to learning and retaining information.

Potatoes also contain some amounts of copper and iron, which also assist in neurological processes. Finally, potatoes contain an acid which can help boost overall cognitive health.

4. Immunity Booster

Vitamin C is well known for improving immune function, and potatoes are not lacking in it!

5. Blood Sugar

There is a degree of scepticism, but as long as you prepare potatoes healthily and do not consume too many, potatoes can help regulate blood sugar levels as they contain various antioxidants.

6. Stress Relief

Because potatoes can increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, they are considered a happy, stress relieving food. Vitamin B6 also promotes cellular renewal and the creation of adrenaline based hormones which also aid in managing stress.

7. Improves Satiation

Potatoes are half soluble and rather satiating foods which means you feel full for longer after eating them. This can reduce hunger cravings and frequent snacking.

8. Bone Health

Potatoes contain many minerals such as iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and zinc. These help promote bone structure and strength as well as the production of collagen.

9. Kidney Stones

The potato peel contains a rich source of nutrients such as alkaline salts, copper, manganese, potassium and B-vitamins which help break down stones so that they may pass through.

10. Reduces Inflammation

Potatoes are easily digestible and therefore reduce internal inflammation which can be caused by hard to digest foods. Resistant starch in potatoes becomes food for the good bacteria in the body. This process produces a chemical which can also aid in reducing inflammation in the intestines.

11. Aids Digestion

Spuds contain a lot of fibre which is essential for optimal digestive functions.

12. Heart Health

Potatoes contain a lot of nutrients to support heart health. Potassium, fibre, and vitamins C and B6 all contribute to maintaining a healthy heart. B6, in particular, is crucial for the production of Methylation, which converts a harmful blood vessel damaging chemical into something far less dangerous. Fibre helps reduce overall cholesterol levels, which also contributes to a happy heart.

13. Cancer Prevention

Potatoes are filled with antioxidants which neutralise free radicals and prevent them from damaging cells, which can lead to cancer. Folate is another substance contained in potatoes which prevents damage done to DNA. Fibre plays a role in reducing stomach-related cancers from occurring.

14. Restores Electrolytes

Potassium and sodium occur mostly in the peel of the potato. These two minerals act as electrolytes, and a lack of either one can cause the body to cramp up. Athletes, in particular, lose a lot of electrolytes through sweating, so it is all the more so important for highly active individuals to consider adding potatoes as an after training snack.

15. Promotes Sleep

Potatoes contain a natural sedative called Tryptophan. Potassium is also known for relaxing muscles, which can lead to restful sleep. Vitamin B6 can produce hormones which aid the body in preparation for rest. 

Conclusion

The list of benefits is long indeed for the mighty spud! A good thing too, as most people consume potatoes in one form or another. Remember it is better to bake, boil or mash potatoes than it is to consume fast food or crisps. Eaten in moderation, potatoes can do a whole lot of good for your overall health and wellness!

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