Despite the bad rap potatoes have endured over the past years, it’s high time to give this tuber some justice. To prove potatoes’ nutritional worth, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission Chris Voigt took the 60-day challenge of eating nothing but potatoes.
And the result might just surprise you.
After the course of the 60-day challenge, Voigt not only lost a stunning 21 pounds, but also lowered his cholesterol and blood pressure levels. His blood glucose level dropped from 100 for 294; cholesterol level, from 214 to 147; and triglycerides level, from 135 to 75.
Going beyond Voigt’s case, there are just plenty of reasons that make potatoes a winning choice for your daily diet. Here are 10 of them.
#1 Contrary to Popular Belief, White Potatoes are Just as Nutritious
Remember those days when the world suddenly shunned what we call ‘white vegetables’ because of their supposedly ‘bad’ carb content? Well, blotting these vegetables out of our daily diet could mean missing out on a lot of nutrients too. A 2013 publication by Advances in Nutrition suggested that the color of the vegetable did not have a final say on nutritional value. In addition, these white veggies contain just the needed nutrients that are rather deficient among most Americans.
#2 You Get More Nutrients Per Dollar of Potatoes
The potato is perhaps one of the cheapest crops in the market, coming second only to beans in many regions. That means higher return of investment for you, and you get that many essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, fiber, magnesium and folate, just to name a few.
#3 There Is No Known Link Between Potatoes And Obesity/Inflammation
A 2012 study at the University of Washington suggested that there is no association between white potato consumption and markers for obesity, diabetes and inflammation. Older studies, however, showed the opposite, but the outdated research did not include other factors such as demographics of the participants.
#4 Potatoes Are Jam-packed With Nutrients
Compared to other varieties, white potatoes contain the highest amount of nutrients. Analysis shows that a medium white potato with skin on contains 110 calories, more potassium then banana and about 35% vitamin C of the required daily value. What’s good about the potato is that it is free from a fat, sodium and cholesterol. Plus, it is a good source of fiber.
#5 The Potato Industry Is An Essential Part Of The Global Economy
Being the fourth most widely consumed crop in the world, the potato keeps the economy going. In the United States alone, about $3.8 billion worth of potatoes were sent for export in 2010, with China, Japan and Mexico as the leading importers of U.S.-grown spuds.
#6 Sweet Potatoes are a Nutritional Bliss
When it comes to nutritional value, sweet potatoes rain supreme over other vegetables, according to the Center of Science in the Pubic Interest. In addition, purple potatoes are also which sources of antioxidants that help fight cancer, lower blood pressure and fight off infections.
#7 Shed Those Extra Pounds With Potatoes, No Less
Remember Voigt’s 60-day potato-only diet? Yes, he did shed those extra pounds over the course of his potato-only meals. Of course, we do not recommend that you eat only potatoes so as not to upset a balanced diet.
#8 Potatoes, When Stored Properly, Last for a Very Long Time
When it comes to buying green leafy vegetables, we are always on the rush to cook them to get the most of their short-lived freshness. That, however, is not the case with our favorites spuds. When stored in a cool, dry place, potatoes can last for two to three weeks. So, you can buy them in bulk as long as you have a proper place for storage.
#9 Kids Love (And Benefit From) Potatoes
Research suggests that children eating potatoes are more likely to eat more vegetables. This means healthier diet for your children. Also, did you know that a can of Coke contains 38 g of sugar? A medium white potato, on the other hand, contains a measly 2 g of the sweet thing.
#10 There Seems To Be Countless Ways to Cook Your Spud
Talk about versatility, potatoes can be prepared and eaten in just so many ways possible. Take the French fries for example. You can use ketchup, mayonnaise or other sauces to enhance the taste of your fried spud. The generic umami taste of potatoes welcomes any toppings you can imagine.
You can slice the potatoes thin, boil it, mash it, fry it or even process it into a potato flour and do just about anything with the root crop and still create wonderful treats.
To Know More
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