Many people seem to be avoiding the potato. They are getting a reputation of a food that is very full of carbohydrates and that they are getting us fat. Did you know that they are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals that protect against cancer and promote heart-health?
There are many health benefits from eating the potato. Potatoes are loaded with carbohydrates, protein, calcium, niacin and Vitamin C. They are easily digested because of the fiber they contain. They also contain Vitamin C which makes them great antioxidants which repair cells in the body. Potatoes can also relieve inflammation in the intestines and digestive track.
The potato contains all the elements and more for brain function. The brain relies on several things to function, including balanced glucose levels, oxygen, Vitamin B complex, amino acids, Omega-3 and other fatty acids.
Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, protein, calcium, niacin and Vitamins C and B-complex. There are also Carotenoids found in a potato. This is a key ingredient to heart health.
To get the most out of your potato it is best to bake them. You should eat potatoes in moderation especially if they are fried.
The carbohydrates in a potato are the complex. These are better carbs than the ones found in sugary foods or breads, which are called simple carbs.
As essential source of fuel and energy for the body, the potato is your go to vegetable. You need the energy when dieting. Carbohydrate help to fuel all reactions in the body which you need for movement, thinking, digestion and cellular renewal, which are all included in the potato.
Did you know?
- Potatoes have many vitamins and mineral such as Vitamins C and B-complex, potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus, which are also great for your skin.
- Potatoes were eaten by 19th Century English and Spanish sailors to fend off scurvy.
- Raw potatoes can be mashed and mixed with honey to make a masque for your skin. Raw potatoes can also be applied to burns and rashes to ease the swelling and pain.
- Raw potatoes can also be mashed and applied to relieve external burns, inflammation, etc.
- A single baked potato will provide nearly 12 per cent of the daily recommended amount of fiber.
As always I have a delicious recipe for you. This is chalked full of vitamins and minerals that your body needs. This recipe would be great for your summer barbaques or family get togethers.
Cranberry walnut potato salad
- 3-4 lbs of potatoes (Its really yummy to do different kinds)
- 4 ribs celery, diced small
- 2 ripe pears, diced small
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped finely
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped finely
- 1/2 cup Mayo or other spread
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking the potatoes. Chop and quarter them all so that they are roughly all the same sized pieces. Place them in boiling water. Boil for about 10 minutes. Depending on the size of the cuts it may take longer. If a fork goes into them easily then they are done.
- When the potatoes are done. Drain the water.
- In the meantime, chop the celery, pear, cranberries, and walnuts and mix into a large bowl. Dried fruit is pretty high in calories, but if you chop it up really finely, it is well distributed through the bowl and you find you don’t need to use quite as much..
- Add about 1/2 cup of the Mayo (or your preferred spread) and the potatoes to the bowl, and mix the salad together. Salt and pepper to taste!
- The result is a really great balance of sweet and savory, sweet from the pear and the cranberries, and savory from the potatoes and Nayonaise. SUCH a great combination!
Resources:
“Top 5 Health Benefits of Eating Potatoes.” Yahoo! Contributor Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2013.
“Devil’s Food? The Surprising Health Benefits of the Humble Spud.” Mail Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2013.
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