Potatoes Health Benefits: Potato such a vegetable, which is everyone's favourite. Hardly anyone ever says no to this. Many types of dishes can be prepared from potato, including potato dry vegetables, potato curry, mashed potatoes, potato in biryani, potato in an omelette, potato paratha etc. However, there are some dishes like fries, and chips, due to which potatoes have earned a bad name. Anything fried cannot be healthy, similarly, potatoes also work to harm health in fried form.
You may be surprised to know, but eating potatoes improve cardio-metabolic health, helps manage weight, and improves gut health and energy. So let's know what are the health benefits of eating potatoes.
What are the benefits of eating potatoes to the body
Potatoes are known for the carbohydrates present in them, so people who want to take fewer carbs in their diet, keep their distance from potatoes. However, potato also brings many benefits to health, which should be known about.
Beneficial for heart health
Potatoes are a good source of fibre, which directly benefits heart health. One study involving over 2,000 people found that those who ate potatoes, but also kept their activity levels high and their meat intake low, had a 24 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
Potatoes help in maintaining weight
Potatoes are also a source of resistant starch, which is a type of carbohydrate that hinders digestion. This type of starch controls appetite, which helps in managing weight. A recent study suggests that eating potatoes when combined with eggs or other proteins can help you feel satisfied and prevent snacking between meals.
Potatoes are also great for gut health
Resistant starch also has positive effects on gut health. A small study involving about 50 people found that those who ate potatoes with their meals every day for 4 weeks experienced significant improvements in their gut health.
Potatoes are full of nutrients
Potatoes are a good source of minerals like potassium, which works to reduce blood pressure. Adults who suffer from hypertension or pre-hypertension can bring their blood pressure under control if they consume potatoes for 16 days. That is, the consumption of potatoes is associated with lowering blood pressure, in other words, the consumption of potatoes can protect against high blood pressure.
Potato enhances athletic performance
Because potatoes contain a good amount of carbohydrates, potassium, and protein, their consumption can work to enhance athletic performance. Carbs provide fuel to the body for any kind of physical activity. Therefore, potatoes can be consumed as a pre-workout meal.
