Here Are 14 Reasons Why You Should Eat Potatoes

Packed With Nutrients

Potatoes are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals.

One medium baked potato (6.1 ounces or 173 grams), including the skin, provides:

Calories: 161Fat: 0.2 grams Protein: 4.3 grams Carbs: 36.6 grams Fiber: 3.8 grams Vitamin C: 28% of the RDI Vitamin B6: 27% of the RDI Potassium: 26% of the RDI Manganese: 19% of the RDI Magnesium: 12% of the RDI Phosphorus: 12% of the RDI Niacin: 12% of the RDI Folate: 12% of the RDI

The nutritional content of potatoes can vary depending on the variety and how they are prepared. For example, frying potatoes adds more calories and fat than baking them.

Sweet potato has excellent nutritional values. Its sweet taste comes from beta-carotene. Our body uses it to produce vitamin A, which is why it is called provitamin A. The most common sweet potatoes are yellow-orange or white / flesh-colored. If you happen to come across sweet potatoes with purple flesh, you should buy them immediately because they are remarkably rich in antioxidants (more than blueberries).

Here are the reasons why you should eat sweet potatoes:

1. Perfect for diabetics
Many people with type 2 diabetes like potatoes, but can not afford starch. Sweet potatoes are a great alternative and are considered a superfood for diabetics according to the American Diabetes Association. They stabilize blood sugar levels by decreasing insulin resistance thanks to their natural sugars and the fibers they contain.
2. Digestion
Dietary fiber is important for a healthy digestive tract, and sweet potatoes contain a lot. They help prevent colon cancer and relieve constipation.
3. Prevent emphysema
Smokers suffer from emphysema (destruction of lung cells) and are deficient in vitamin A. The carotenoids in the sweet potato that the body uses to produce vitamin A help the regeneration of the respiratory system.
4. Heart health
Cardiac function can be improved overall thanks to potassium, which reduces the impact of salt, controls blood pressure and balances electrolytes. Vitamin B6 found in sweet potatoes can help prevent strokes, heart attacks and degenerative diseases.
5. Muscles and healthy tissue
Potassium can help athletes reduce cramps and swelling, can provide energy and relax muscle contractions. It also regulates nerve signals and heartbeats.
6. Antioxidants
Carotenoids relieve gout, arthritis and asthma, reduce the effects of aging and protect against breast and lung cancer.
7. Development of the fetus
It is very important that pregnant women consume folic acid, if they want fetal tissue and healthy cell development, and sweet potatoes are an excellent source of folic acid.
8. Anti-stress
The potassium content regulates the body's water balance, increases the flow of oxygen and normalizes the heartbeat, while the magnesium found in sweet potatoes acts as an anti-stress agent.
9. Vitamin C
They are rich in vitamin C, a vitamin essential for the proper functioning of the whole body.
10. Anemia
Because they are rich in iron, they help fight anemia because iron plays an important role in the production of white and red blood cells.
11. Younger skinIf you want to boil your sweet potatoes, keep the cooking water for your skin. It can soothe irritated areas, clean your pores and absorb impurities. Vitamin C will help with collagen production while Vitamin E will help improve skin tone. In addition, you can reduce wrinkles, eye puffiness and dark circles with anthocyanins.12. Premenstrual symptomsTreat premenstrual symptoms with manganese and iron found in sweet potatoes.
13. Hair quality
Beta-carotene promotes hair growth and prevents problems such as dandruff and damaged hair.
14. Minerals
They are rich in minerals such as potassium, manganese, calcium, magnesium and iron, which are important for carbohydrates, proteins and enzyme metabolism. However, if you have a history of urinary oxalate stones, you may need to avoid sweet potatoes or consult a doctor.