There are some things you may not know about potatoes. Potatoes, pictured June 16, 2017, can reduce the risk of cancer. Photo: Reuters...
There are some things you may not know about potatoes.
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| Potatoes, pictured June 16, 2017, can reduce the risk of cancer. Photo: Reuters |
By Dory Jackson, International Business Times
Spud lovers can now rejoice because
National Potato Day is Saturday, Aug. 19. Potatoes have been a popular
food item for centuries, which were originally cultivated by Inca
Indians in Peru around 8,000 B.C. to 5,000 B.C., according to PotatoGoodness.com.
[post_ads]When Spanish Conquistadors defeated Peru in 1536, they discovered the
potato and brought its flavors to Europe. Potatoes are now grown across
the United States in all 50 states, according to the Idaho Potato Museum.
Mashed,
smashed, baked, roasted, chipped or served in the form of a french fry,
the potato can be eaten in several different ways. Other than
preparation style and its history, there is still plenty to learn about
the starchy vegetable and the health benefits that come with it. Here is
a list of 7 surprising health facts about potatoes:
French Fries Are Technically Vegetables
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared that french fries qualify as a fresh vegetable in 2004, according to NPR.
However, consumers shouldn't rush to their local McDonalds or Five Guys
to fill up on its "healthy" fries because the vegetable association
only applies to commerce, not nutrition.
Potatoes Are Fairly Healthy
Despite containing large amounts of carbohydrates, potatoes are still a fairly nutritious food option to consume. According to WHFoods.com,
potatoes are a very good source of vitamin B6, which is a nutrient
often found within starchy veggies. Consuming potatoes for its vitamin
B6 will help with adrenal function and the nervous system, among other
functions. It's also a promising source of potassium, vitamin C,
manganese, phosphorus and more.
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Potatoes Are Mostly Water
Potatoes contain a very high water content. According to Organic Facts,
the starchy vegetable is roughly 70 to 80 percent water, which makes up
most of its weight. It's also consisted of 20 percent solid.
Potatoes Are (Mostly) Low On Calories
Have
you ever wondered how many calories are in a potato? The calorie count
for the starchy favorite is surprising low. Aside from french fries (365
calories) and potato chips (152 calories), the calorie count for
potatoes doesn't exceed over the low 100s. Raw potatoes are 70 calories,
boiled hit 80 calories, baked are 86 calories and mashed potatoes are
108, according to WeightLossForAll.com.
Potatoes May Help To Lower Blood Pressure
There
are a couple of indicators that have led researchers to believe that
potatoes are beneficial to lowering blood pressure. According to Live Science,
fiber is found in potatoes, which can help to decrease blood pressure.
Potatoes also contain a higher amount of potassium than bananas, which
is an excellent method to lowering blood pressure.
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The Digestive System Benefits From Potatoes
Potatoes
most beneficial health factor is its ability to help with digestion
because it contains high amounts of fiber and carbohydrates, according
to Live Science.
The fiber levels in the veggie's peel help to maintain regularity,
whereas its carbohydrate levels make it easy to breakdown within the
body.
Potatoes Can Help Prevent Cancer
According to The Huffington Post,
a 2015 study showed that potatoes reportedly reduced the risk of cancer
by 33 percent. Other vegetables like asparagus, celery and cauliflower
contain the same preventive elements.
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