Boost Athletic Performance:
Most of those who are health conscious tend to keep a safe distance from potatoes as they consider this food as harmful for health. Potatoes can be detrimental for those looking to bring down the level of blood sugar as these have a high load of glycemic. A recent study has proved that potatoes can be beneficial especially for those looking to boost their athletic performance. Besides this, potatoes have a wide range of other benefits which can be proved healthy.
Potatoes and Facts:
Some of the key points of potatoes are
*A medium sized potato contains 30 percent of the B6 intake which is recommended along with 164 calories.
*A baked potato is a nutritious treat for a cold winter evening. This is definitely economical.
*There is proof that this food can bring down the levels of inflammation and also relieve constipation.
Other benefits of Potatoes:
- Blood pressure:
Magnesium, potassium and calcium are found in potatoes. It is known that potassium can encourage vasodilatation, which is widening the blood vessels. Healthy blood pressure can be achieved by lowering the intake of sodium but increasing the intake of potassium.
- Healthy Bones:
The presence of magnesium, calcium, phosphorous and iron in potatoes helps in maintaining and building of the bone structure. Zinc and iron play an important role in maturation and production of collagen.
- Tackle Inflammation:
The nutrient, choline, which is present in potatoes, can be helpful in learning, mood elevation, and memory and muscle movement. This also helps in transmitting the nerve impulses, maintaining the cellular membranes structure and brain development and absorption of fat.
- Health of the Heart:
The presence of Vitamin C, potassium and fiber in the potato can help in keeping your heart healthy. The fiber present can bring down the levels of cholesterol and decrease the risk of any heart disease.
- Digestion:
The fiber present in potatoes spares you from constipation problems and helps in keeping the digestive tract functioning well.
- Cancer:
Potatoes contain foliate, which plays an important role in the synthesis and repair of the DNA. This helps in the prevention of different types of cancer cell formation. The Vitamin C present, along with the quercetin work as antioxidants and protect the cells from any free radicals.
- Skin:
Potato has a lot of Vitamin C which can prevent any damage from the pollution, smoke or the sun. The collagen produced can also help in smoothening wrinkles and improve the texture of the skin.
Choosing Potatoes:
You have a wide choice of potatoes available, the white, red, blue and yellow varieties.
You can bake potatoes which are starchy, like the russets. You can even bake, roast or mash the Yukon gold variety of the potato or make a potato salad of the waxy potatoes like the red potatoes.
Potatoes need to be stored in a dry and dark place like the pantry or the cellar. Solanine is formed when these are exposed to sunlight. Enjoy the many flavors of different potatoes as there are multiple benefits to look forward to.
