The Benefits of Potato

Everybody Loves Potato and Do you know that Potato has a dietary staple across the globe ? Well ,It is available year-round and is one of the most popular foods in the world. The versatile potato can be prepared and eaten in more ways than can be imagined. Unfortunately, most people eat potatoes in their most unhealthy forms. Greasy french fries and potato chips are so loaded with cholesterol and fat that they become more of a health risk than a benefit.

The first potatoes were grown in Central and South America. They were imported to Europe in colonial times but were not particularly popular. Part of the "Nightshade family" that also includes tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, the potato was long thought to be poisonous. While it is true that the green leaves and sprouts of the plant are toxic, the potato itself is quite safe to eat.

When it's not smothered in grease, cheese, or other fattening toppings, the humble potato is surprisingly healthy. It is high in fiber and other important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, iron, and vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 is active in virtually every part of the body. It is a vital nutrient that assists in chemical reactions throughout the body, and is necessary to maintain healthy nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Potatoes also contain compounds called kukoamines. Little is known about kukoamines to date, but it is believed that they help lower blood pressure.

Potatoes are delicious to eat mashed, baked, boiled, or roasted. They make a nutritious side dish with any meal. A great comfort food, potatoes go well in soups and stews too.

What about sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are actually not related to potatoes at all. Whereas potatoes belong to the Nightshade family, sweet potatoes belong to the Morning Glory family and they offer their own distinct taste and nutritional benefits.

As their name would suggest, sweet potatoes have a sugary and sweet taste. But diabetics need not fear. The sweet potato has been called an "anti-diabetic" food due to its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Sweet potatoes are packed with potent antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. These antioxidants work to eliminate free radicals before they can damage cells and membranes. Healthy amounts of beta-carotene are also thought to reduce the risk of cataracts and some types of cancer.

Richard Baybutt of Kansas State University has discovered a link between vitamin A and emphysema. It appears that emphysema may be caused by a deficiency of vitamin A brought on by smoking. A diet high in vitamin A may counteract the deficiency and reduce the risk of emphysema. Since sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, smokers may want to consider adding more sweet potatoes to their diet.