Potatoes come in a variety of flavors, including mashed potatoes (scalloped cheesy), fried potatoes (fast-food version), and mashed potatoes. They are the most popular vegetable in the United States. But are potatoes beneficial for you?
Many individuals have misunderstandings regarding the health advantages of potatoes. Adrienne Posner, a dietitian, breaks down the nutrition facts regarding potatoes and explains why you should include them in your next meal.
Are Potatoes Considered Vegetables?
Yes. These veggies, as the name implies, have a greater starch content than others. This isn’t always a negative thing. It’s a positive thing since veggies often contain more calories and less fiber.
Starch is a form of carbohydrate that our bodies convert into glucose to provide energy. Starchy meals may be an effective way to add calories and/or a variety of food alternatives to a meal.
Potatoes For Nutrition And Health
In addition to carbs, potatoes provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They contain a lot of vitamin C, which functions as an antioxidant. Potatoes were a lifeline in the early days because they were high in vitamin C. Potassium is another vital component found in potatoes. This electrolyte benefits our neurological system, muscles, and heart. Fiber is a significant component of potato skin and is necessary for our digestive health.
Different varieties of potatoes have varying quantities of nutrients. The greater the antioxidant content of a potato, the better. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, a vital ingredient for eye health and immunity. Purple potatoes are high in antioxidants such as anthocyanin. It may help to avoid heart disease and cancer, as well as improve brain health.
What Is It About Potatoes That Makes Them Unhealthy?
When potatoes are topped with sour cream, cheese, bacon, or other dairy ingredients, they may become unhealthy. When portion quantity and toppings are addressed, potatoes may provide comfort and pleasure with every meal.
So Why Would You Want To Eat Potatoes Instead?
Potatoes are inexpensive and provide several health advantages. They contain a lot of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and energy. You should incorporate a variety of potatoes to enhance their nutritional content.
The Fundamentals – Russet Potatoes
For those seeking a rich and diverse potato type, Russet potatoes are the ideal option. These huge, spherical Idaho-style potatoes may be baked or mashed. The Idaho-style type is distinguished by its thick, rough skin. Russet potatoes are excellent for boiling. Because of their dry flesh, they need less water than other potato cultivars. As a result, russets are ideal for use in soups and stews.
Choose russet potatoes with no blemishes from the grocery store. The potatoes should be solid to the touch and show no evidence of sprouting or wrinkling.
Russet Potato Planting Locations
Russet potato plants, such as Russet, thrive in full sun and get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunshine every day. They also like loose, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic ph. Plant potatoes apart from tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants that were planted the previous year to minimize disease concerns.
Incorporate organic material such as manure or compost into your planting areas to promote drainage and nutrition. Russet potatoes grow well on raised beds.
