Healing Foods Database » Potato
Potato
The potato is a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum. In many contexts, potato refers to the edible tuber, but it can also refer to the plant itself. Common or slang terms include tater, tattie and spud.
Health Benefits
Yes, potatoes are naturally fat free, cholesterol free, and low in sodium. In addition, potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, and those eaten with the skin are a good source of potassium. Foods that are good sources of potassium and low in sodium, such as potatoes, may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
Potatoes are a good source of antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. However, more human-based research is required before making any recommendations.
Potatoes contain resistant starch, which may help reduce insulin resistance. In turn, this can help improve blood sugar control.
Resistant starch in potatoes is a source of nutrition for beneficial gut bacteria. They convert it to the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, which has been linked to reduced inflammation in the colon, improved colon defenses and a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Nutrition Details
- Potassium
- Amount per serving: 897mg
- Serving size: 1 medium-sized potato
- Vitamin C
- Amount per serving: 70%
- Serving size: 1 medium-sized potato
- Iron
- Amount per serving: 9%
- Serving size: 1 medium-sized potato
- Vitamin B-6
- Amount per serving: 30%
- Serving size: 1 medium-sized potato
NaturalHealth365 Articles About (or that mention) "Potato"
Acrylamide ALERT: Hidden cancer risk found inside potatoes and other foods cooked the wrong way
(NaturalHealth365) In the sizzling world of culinary delights, it turns out that … Acrylamide ALERT: Hidden cancer risk found inside potatoes and other foods cooked the wrong way
How sweet potatoes help us avoid cancer cell growth
(NaturalHealth365) When it comes to scrumptiously-sweet foods that are genuinely good for … How sweet potatoes help us avoid cancer cell growth
Potatoes can be a healthy option, but there is a catch
(NaturalHealth365) Potatoes are versatile vegetables that people have enjoyed for centuries. But … Potatoes can be a healthy option, but there is a catch
GMO potatoes approved by the USDA
(NaturalHealth365) The spread of genetically modified crops now extends to potatoes, with … GMO potatoes approved by the USDA
Sources
Generally, we try to use only the following sources to obtain information for our Healing Foods Database:
Please Note:
We always recommend organic, local foods and all of the information contained in our healing foods database is based on organic varieties of each healing food you find here.
Description Credit: Wikipedia. Wikipedia is used only for general food descriptions and we do not endorse Wikipedia as a source for other health-related information.