The Irish
potato is a nutrient-dense vegetable that comes in a variety of colors. In the
1800s, the Irish potato was the most common variety of potato grown in Ireland.
Potatoes are
edible tubers that are available all year. They are relatively inexpensive to
grow, are high in nutrients, and can be used to make a tasty treat.
Because of
the growing interest in low-carb foods, the humble potato has declined in
popularity in recent years.
The fiber,
vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals it contains, on the other hand, can help
prevent disease and benefit human health.
Potatoes were domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Andes region of South America. In the early sixteenth century, Spanish explorers brought them to Europe.
They are now the most important vegetable crop in the United States (U.S.), where the average person consumes 55 pounds (25 kg) of potatoes each year. They are a staple food in many countries worldwide.
This MNT
Knowledge Center article is part of a series on the health benefits of common
foods.
The Irish potato contains the
following nutrients:
- Sodium, magnesium, zinc sulfate
- Phosphate of calcium
- Phosphorus
1. Blood
pressure reduction: The Irish
Potatoes
contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which help to lower blood
pressure.
2. Weight
management/reduction
Irish potato
is filling and suppresses appetite, allowing a person to feel full for a longer
period of time without having to eat.
3. Digestion
Irish
potatoes aid in the prevention of constipation and the maintenance of a healthy
digestive tract.
4. Cancer
The presence
of folate in Irish potatoes aids in DNA synthesis and prevents the formation of
various cancer cells.
5. Enhance brain function
It aids in
the maintenance of brain health. The Irish potato contains vitamin B6, which is
a useful brain chemical for the brain, as well as other elements such as
phosphorus and zinc, both of which are beneficial to the brain.
6. Prevent scurvy
Scurvy is
caused by a vitamin C deficiency and is characterized by anemia and bleeding
gums. It aids in the prevention of the disease due to its high vitamin C
content.
Take a
moderate amount of potatoes.
7. Pain relief from rheumatoid arthritis
The Irish
potato contains magnesium, vitamins, and calcium, all of which work together to
provide soothing relief for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
8. Helps to relieve stress
- Irish potatoes are high in vitamin B6, which helps keep your nervous system healthy.
- It also rejuvenates the body's cell walls and helps humans avoid mood swings.
The Irish
potato stimulates the release of adrenaline, a hormone that promotes happiness
and relaxation.
9. Bone health
Potatoes
contain iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which all help the
body build and maintain bone structure and strength.
Iron and
zinc are essential in the formation and maturation of collagen.
Phosphorus
and calcium are both important in bone structure, but they must be balanced for
proper bone mineralization. Too much phosphorus and not enough calcium causes
bone loss and contribute to osteoporosis.
10. Cardiovascular health
The fiber,
potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content of potatoes, as well as their lack
of cholesterol, all promote heart health.
Potatoes
have a lot of fiber in them. Fiber reduces the total amount of cholesterol in
the blood, lowering the risk of heart disease.
According to
NHANES research, a higher potassium intake and a lower sodium intake are
associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality and heart disease.
11. Inflammation
is it an
important and versatile nutrient found in potatoes? It assists with muscle movement,
mood, learning, and memory.
It also helps with:
- Keeping the structure of cellular membranes intact
- Sending nerve impulses
- The process of fat absorption
- Brain development in childhood
Choline is
present in 57 mg per large potato. Adult males require 550 mg per day, while
females require 425 mg.
12. Metabolic process
Vitamin B6
is abundant in potatoes. This is important in energy metabolism because it
breaks down carbohydrates and proteins into glucose and amino acids. These
smaller compounds can be used for energy more easily within the body.
13. The skin
The skin's
support system is made up of collagen. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant,
assisting in the prevention of sun, pollution, and smoke damage. Vitamin C also
aids collagen in smoothing wrinkles and improving skin texture.
14. Immunity
According to
research, vitamin C may help reduce the severity and duration of a cold.
Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C.
Nutrition
To some
extent, the healthfulness of a potato in the diet is determined by what is
added to it or how it is cooked. Oil, sour cream, and butter all add calories,
but the plain potato has a low-calorie count.
It also
contains important nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and minerals.
A 100-gram (g) or 3.5-ounce serving is roughly half of a medium-sized potato.
This amount
of baked white potato with skin contains:
- 94 calories
- 0.15 grams of fat
- 0 grams of saturated fat
- 21.08 grams of simple carbohydrate
- 2.1 grams of nutritional fiber
- 2.10 grams of protein
- 10 milligrams (mg) of calcium
- 0.64 mg of iron
- 27 mg of magnesium
- 75 mg of phosphorus
- 544 mg of potassium
- 12.6 mg of vitamin C
- 0.211 mg of vitamin B6
- 38 micrograms (mcg) of folate
Niacin,
choline, and zinc are also found in potatoes. Different varieties have slightly
different nutrient profiles.
Sodium: Whole, unprocessed potatoes have
very little sodium, only 10 mg per 100 g (3.5 ounces), or less than 1% of the
daily limit. This is not the case with processed potato products like French
fries and potato chips.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): Potatoes contain an alpha-lipoic
acid (ALA) compound that aids the body's conversion of glucose into energy.
Some
evidence suggests that alpha-lipoic acid can help diabetics control their blood
glucose levels, improve vasodilation, protect against retinopathy, and preserve
brain and nerve tissue.
Quercetin: Quercetin, a flavonoid found in
potato skin, appears to have an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect,
protecting the body's cells from free radical damage.
Flavonoids
are phytonutrients or organic compounds that are thought to help protect
against disease.
Antioxidants: Vitamin C, which is found in
potatoes, acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants may aid in the prevention of
cell damage and cancer, as well as the promotion of healthy digestion and
cardiovascular functions.
Fiber: The fiber in potatoes aids in the
maintenance of a healthy digestive system and circulatory system.
Tips
According to
the USDA, more than half of all potatoes sold in the United States are used to
make French fries.
French
fries, however, are not the only or best option.
There are
numerous low-cost and simple ways to incorporate potatoes into a healthy diet.
Identifying Potatoes
There are
numerous potato varieties to choose from, not to mention sweet potatoes. There
are white, red, yellow, and blue varieties, as well as a variety of options
within each color.
Here are some tips:
- When baking, use starchy potatoes like russets.
- Use all-purpose potatoes, such as Yukon gold, for roasting, mashing, or baking.
- Waxy potatoes, such as red, new, or fingerling potatoes, hold their shape better in potato salad.
- Choose firm, unbruised potatoes that are relatively smooth and round. Avoid any that show signs of decay, such as wet or dry rot, as well as any roots or potatoes that have a greenish hue.
- To avoid bacterial buildup, buy potatoes that are unpackaged and unwashed. The protective coating on the skins of potatoes is removed when they are washed early.
Storage
Potatoes
should be stored in a dark, dry place, such as a cellar or pantry, at 45 to 50
degrees Fahrenheit, or 7 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Solanine is
formed when potatoes are exposed to sunlight, which causes them to turn green.
It is poisonous. When potatoes are refrigerated, their starch content is
converted to sugar. This can result in an unpleasant flavor.
Potatoes and
onions should not be stored together because both produce natural gases that
cause the other to decay.
Although
fully grown potatoes have a shelf life of up to two months, spoiled potatoes
can contaminate the potatoes around them. To keep the rest of the potatoes from
spoiling, remove any that are rotten.
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Cooking and preparing potatoes
Because the
majority of the vitamin, mineral, and fiber content of potatoes is found in the
skin, it is best to eat them with the skin on.
Scrub
potatoes under running water and use a paring knife to remove any bruises or
deep eyes. To avoid the metal reacting with the phytochemicals in the vegetable
and causing discoloration, use a stainless steel knife rather than a carbon
steel knife.
Jacket
potatoes baked in their skins are a quick and easy meal. Serve with salad and
your choice of tuna, cheese, baked beans, or another favorite topping. Cooking
and eating the skins helps to keep the nutrients intact.
To retain
more of the water-soluble vitamins, potatoes can be boiled with mint and
sprinkled with black pepper, or steamed.
To make a
healthy potato salad, boil baby new potatoes and set them aside to cool before
adding freshly chopped
garlic, mint, and olive oil.
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