What is in potatoes that is good for you?

Potatoes for health and nutrition They're rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Potatoes were a life-saving food source in early times because the vitamin C prevented scurvy. Another major nutrient in potatoes is potassium, an electrolyte which aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system.

health.ucdavis.edu - Potato health benefits and why you should eat more spuds

Can you drink orange juice with high blood pressure?

Orange juice contains potassium which is one of the best nutrients for controlling high blood pressure. It also contains anti-oxidants and anti-...

Last updated May 28, 2020

Why am I always tired and have no energy in the morning?

Common causes of fatigue include: Sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia. Medical conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia, problems...

Last updated Mar 25, 2018

Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

From mashed potatoes, scalloped cheesy potatoes and the fast-food fried variety, potatoes are everywhere. They’re by far one of the most popular vegetables in America. But are potatoes good for your health?

There seems to be a lot of misconceptions on the health benefits of potatoes. UC Davis Health dietetic intern Adrienne Posner breaks down the nutrition facts on potatoes and why you may want to serve them at your next meal.

Are potatoes vegetables?

Yes. Potatoes are stem tubers and are considered a starchy vegetable. As the name implies, these vegetables contain more starch as compared to others. This isn’t bad. It means that the vegetable delivers more calories and typically less fiber. Starch is a type of carbohydrate that our body breaks into glucose to use as energy. Therefore, starchy foods could be a good food source if you want to add calories or add a food choice to round out a meal. Many cultures serve sides of rice, pasta, or potatoes with meals. These choices add calories and give a “full feeling” to hungry families. Other types of starchy vegetables include:

corn

green peas

winter squash, such as butternut or acorn

sweet potatoes and yams

beans and lentils

Potatoes for health and nutrition

In addition to starch, potatoes contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Potatoes were a life-saving food source in early times because the vitamin C prevented scurvy. Another major nutrient in potatoes is potassium, an electrolyte which aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system. Potato skin contains fiber, which is important for digestive health. Different types of potatoes, especially those that come in other colors, contain more nutrients that have health benefits. In general, the darker the potato, the more antioxidants it contains. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, an important nutrient for immunity and eye health. Purple potatoes are rich in antioxidants including anthocyanins which may prevent heart disease and cancer and boost brain health.1

Types of potatoes

Potatoes come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. There are many different varieties of potatoes. Some of the common types at most grocery stores include:

Fingerling potatoes: Small, stubby, finger-shaped potatoes

Russet potatoes: Large potatoes with dark brown skin and white flesh

Sweet potatoes: Large potatoes with bright orange flesh and sweet taste

White and red potatoes: Many sizes and shapes with either white- or red-colored skin

Purple potatoes: Oval-shaped potatoes with a purplish-black skin and purple flesh

What makes potatoes unhealthy?

Generally, potatoes move into the less than healthy category when they are loaded with toppings such as cheese, sour cream, and bacon. When you are mindful of both portion size and toppings, potatoes can provide comfort and satisfaction with any meal.

So why eat potatoes?

In addition to being budget-friendly, there are many health benefits to potatoes. They’re rich in energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Try to include different varieties of potatoes in your diet to maximize the nutritional benefits.

Healthy potato recipes

These three healthy potato recipes from Good Food Is Good Medicine that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This blog was written by UC Davis Health dietetic intern Adrienne Posner and reviewed by UC Davis Health registered dietitians.

How can you accidentally mess up your metabolism?

Here are 6 lifestyle mistakes that can slow down your metabolism. Eating too few calories. Eating too few calories can cause a major decrease in...

Last updated Jun 9, 2019

What fruit should I eat everyday?

Some of the healthiest fruits include pineapple, apples, blueberries, and mangos. You should eat three servings of fruit a day as part of a healthy...

Last updated Oct 3, 2021

Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

Promotion

Should I wash frozen fruit?

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) clarifies that frozen fruit is safe and ready-to-eat straight from the package, no need to wash it. This is due to its higher levels of acidity and sugar, making it unlikely that harmful bacteria could grow on it at freezer temperatures.

eatingwell.com - Do You Need to Wash Frozen Fruits and Vegetables? - EatingWell

There are so many reasons to love frozen fruits and vegetables. They last longer than fresh produce, are more affordable and are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts. And in many cases, they can be more convenient to cook with. While many of us rely on frozen foods in our day-to-day, it can be a little less clear on how to safely prepare them. We dive into the science on how to safely enjoy convenient frozen produce. So, should you be washing frozen fruits and vegetables? The answer: it depends on what it is. The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) clarifies that frozen fruit is safe and ready-to-eat straight from the package, no need to wash it. This is due to its higher levels of acidity and sugar, making it unlikely that harmful bacteria could grow on it at freezer temperatures. Frozen vegetables, however, are lower in sugar and acidity, making them more susceptible to bacteria growth than fruits. The AFFI recommend that all frozen vegetables should always be cooked according to package instructions. If the package suggests to drain or rinse the vegetables, then they should be washed.

Does hot water help lose belly fat?

And drinking a glass or two of warm water in the morning can help you in losing weight and belly fat. It will help in cleansing your system....

Last updated Mar 6, 2018

How many egg yolks a day for vitamin D?

Just one egg yolk from a large egg provides 36.7 IU of vitamin D. Starting your day with two eggs sets you out on the right nutritional foot with...

Last updated Aug 13, 2022

Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Are bottled juices healthy?

Bottled juice versus fresh juice Most bottled juice has been heated and pasteurised, so pretty much all of its natural enzymes, vitamins and...

Last updated Mar 18, 2018

Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

What color kills your appetite?

For instance, orange and red colors increase your food cravings, whereas blue and green suppress your appetite.

Last updated Aug 19, 2019