Solanum Tuberosum, also known as potato, is a South American product. Potatoes belong to the nightshade family, along with eggplants and peppers. Research suggests that potatoes were first grown in the Andes region by Indians. It was then spread to other parts of the world around four centuries ago.
According to the U.S Department of Agriculture potatoes are now at the fourth spot in the world's most-consumed crop. There are many ways to cook potatoes. Potatoes are often thought of as a side dish when people think about potatoes. Potatoes are often served with a main course like steak or grilled chicken. Baked potato in the oven is a great way to eat potatoes more healthily. You can get important nutrients from potatoes, including calcium, fiber, and vitamin C.
These are some health benefits of baked potatoes that will make you want to include baked potatoes in your daily diet.
To Help Lose Weight
Baked potatoes have important benefits for weight loss. Women require 25g of fiber daily, while men need 38g. According to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines of the United States Government, potatoes are a good source of fiber. Because they are high in dietary fiber, baked potatoes can help you lose weight.
Fiber is essential for digestion. Fiber aids in digestion by allowing our bodies to absorb nutrients more efficiently and removing waste from our intestines. This reduces the chance of constipation and other digestive problems. A high intake of dietary fiber helps to keep you fuller for longer so you are less likely to succumb to the temptation to binge eat.
Antioxidant
Vitamin C found in baked potatoes helps our bodies to counter the negative effects caused by free radicals. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), is a method to measure the antioxidant potential of food and supplements. ORAC score indicates that sweet potatoes baked with skin scores of 2115 and 1138 respectively. Beta-carotene is also abundant in sweet potatoes. Harvard University studies have shown that beta-carotene may help lower the risk of developing lung cancer.
To Lower Blood Cholesterol
The fiber in potatoes helps to keep cholesterol at a low level in your body. It ties up with cholesterol. It then removes cholesterol through digestive metabolism.
To Boost The Immune System
Plain baked potatoes of 184g provide approximately 24 milligrams (or about half) of the daily requirement of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that promotes immunity.
To Promote Bones Health
The high levels of iron and calcium found in baked potatoes contribute to the development and maintenance of bone health. Calcium is important for bone structure. Iron is necessary for the production of collagen, which provides strength and structural support to bones.
To Maintain The Blood Pressure Level
The most important health benefit of baked potatoes is their ability to lower blood pressure. Baking potatoes are rich in potassium and sodium, which helps to maintain a low blood pressure level. A metabolomics study conducted by the Institute for Food Research found compounds known as kukoamines within potatoes. Kukoamines may be a way to lower blood pressure.
To Reduce Stress Level
Baked potatoes contain Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in neurological activities. It is used in the development of amines, which are a type of neurotransmitter. A neurotransmitter is what our brain uses to communicate with the body about how to function. It can also influence our mood. Your mood is controlled by serotonin, a type of neurotransmitter. Dopamine, another essential neurotransmitter, is responsible for motivation and drive. Baked potatoes are comfort food and have a soothing effect thanks to Vitamin B6.