Potato Benefits: 10 Reasons to Start Loving Potatoes Even More!

Potatoes are one of the most loved vegetables by people across the world! From crunchy potato chips to delicious roasted potatoes, there are many dishes prepared out of this root vegetable. Although it has earned the notoriousness of promoting weight gain, experts opine that eating Potatoes in limited quantities can actually do plenty of good for your body.

In this article, we shall look into the Top 10 Health Benefits of Potatoes, which you be surprised to know about.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Potatoes:

We are sure that you will fall in love with Potatoes all over again after reading this information:

1. Strengthens Your Bones:

Did you know that Potatoes are rich in bone-strengthening minerals like Calcium, Phosphorous, Manganese etc.? The nutrients play a key role in maintaining the health of your bones and prevent breakages, fractures etc. Apart from improving your skeletal system, Potatoes also help in maintaining healthy, strong teeth. This why doctors recommend eating a specified quantity of potatoes as part of the Osteoporosis diet.

2. Promotes Faster Digestion:

Potatoes, when had with the skin on offers many insoluble dietary fibers like pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose etc. which add roughage to your stools. This helps in faster elimination of the wastes and toxins from the body. Also, the resistance starch present in Potatoes can improve digestive health and support the growth of gut-flora or gut-friendly bacteria. Having them cold can give you more starch when compared to eating them hot!

3. Lowers Blood Pressure Levels:

Potatoes may be particularly beneficial for those who suffer with high blood pressure levels. Potassium present in Potatoes can lower the sodium levels in the body and regulate the flow of blood. Other minerals like magnesium and calcium also play a role in lowering the blood pressure, thus preventing diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular problems etc.

Also Read: Benefits Of Soaked Badam

4. Reduces Inflammation:

Many studies show that chronic inflammation in the intestines can lead to dangerous diseases like Cancers, Diabetes, Heart strokes etc. Potato can help in dealing with this problem with the help of its anti-inflammatory agents like starch, dietary fibers and anthocyanins. A compound called Choline present in Potatoes is known to supress inflammatory responses in the system to prevent organ damage.

5. Supports in Weight Management:

Replacing white foods like pasta or rice with controlled portions of Potato can prevent weight gain! Yes! It's surprising but true! Potatoes can keep you feeling full for longer hours and therefore, suppress cravings of in-between meals. Less food means a reduced amount of calories in the body. It is also known that cold, boiled potatoes can be a great addition to your weight loss diet, as they are rich in resistant starch which increases satiety and contributes to lower calorie intake.

6. Prevents Cancers:

A recent study shows that Potatoes can actually help in preventing Cancers related to stomach. Vitamin C, present in Potatoes, works like a powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress on the stomach cells and fighting cancer-causing bacteria. Also, Potatoes contain Folate, dietary fiber and Quercetin which are known to lower the risk of Cancers in the body.

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7. Keeps Heart Problems at Bay:

Potatoes can be healthy to your heart when consumed as boiled, mashed or as a soup. The dietary fiber present in potatoes can lower cholesterol levels in the body and reduce the risk of blocks in the arteries. Other nutrients like Potassium can bring down Sodium levels to prevent many cardiovascular diseases and support the good functioning of your heart.

8. Boosts Immunity:

Potatoes can help in warding off seasonal flus and many other diseases by strengthening your immune system. Each serving can offer around 30% of Vitamin C, a nutrient known for its immune-boosting properties. Potatoes also contain high amounts of dietary fiber and resistant starch which can improve metabolism, speed up digestion and absorption of nutrients by the body.

9. Improves Overall Skin Health:

Potato offers numerous benefits to your skin. It contains many antioxidants like Vitamin C which can fight free radicals that destroy healthy cells and tissues. An enzyme called "Catecholase" is known to lighten dark spots and pigmentation to make your skin look radiant. Additionally, Vitamin C plays a role in boosting collagen levels to improve skin elasticity and reduce the formation of wrinkles. To deal with these problems, simply rub fresh potato slices on your skin or make a paste to use it as a face mask.

Also Read: Ashwagandha Medicinal Uses

10. Makes Hair Grow Well:

Potatoes contain many hair-enriching nutrients like Zinc, Niacin, Folate, Iron etc. which can strengthen your follicles from the roots. The anti-oxidant properties of Potatoes can prevent many scalp infections like dandruff. Also the starch from potatoes can seal the cuticles to leave your mane looking smooth and shiny. For better results, you can apply potato juice directly on the scalp or combine it with other agents like egg, honey, lemon juice etc.

We hope this article has helped you understand the incredible health benefits of a Potato! This humble vegetable offers plenty of goodness to your body, skin and hair. So, next time you gain weight, don't blame the Potato! Instead, blame yourself for cooking it in the wrong way!