America is the home of the potato Solanum tuberosum L. (scientific name). Nightshades are a family that includes tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes. Studies show that potatoes were cultivated widely by indigenous people in the Andes, long before other countries introduced them to the region. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), potatoes are the fourth most commonly consumed crop worldwide. China produces potatoes at an even higher rate than any other country in the world, followed by India and Russia in second place and third respectively.
You can cook potatoes in many different ways. Potatoes are often thought of as a side dish when we think about them. They are usually served with a main course like grilled chicken or steak. Recent reports indicate that potatoes, especially baked potatoes in oven are some of the healthiest foods. This is because potatoes have a wide range of essential nutrients including calcium, fibre kukoamines and salt as well as vitamin C and vitamin D. Baking potatoes is one of the best ways to preserve their nutritional value.
Baked potatoes have seven health benefits that should persuade you to include them in your diet.
- To Support The Weight Loss Process
One of the biggest benefits of baked potatoes for weight loss is their ability to help you lose weight. The daily recommended intake for fibre for men is 38 grammes and for women, it is 25 grammes. The high fibre content of potatoes baked helps with weight reduction. Fibre is vital for the digestion process. This improves our digestion system, allowing us to remove waste faster and distribute nutrients evenly throughout the body. This will make constipation less common and prevent other digestive issues such as diarrhoea. A diet high in dietary fibre will not only help us feel fuller but also makes us less likely to indulge in binging.
- So It Can Be Used As An Antioxidant
Our bodies use vitamin C in baked potatoes to help protect themselves from the potentially harmful effects of free radicals. Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC), is a method to assess the efficacy and safety of foods rich in antioxidants, as well as nutritional supplementation. ORAC value for roasted sweet potatoes without the skin is 2115. The score for white potatoes is 1138. Also, sweet potatoes contain high levels of beta-carotene.
- To Improve Immunological Function
In 184 grams of baked potatoes, there is a level of vitamin C that is equal to or higher than 24 milligrammes. It contains more than half the amount our bodies require each day to function correctly. It is well-known that vitamin C can greatly assist the body’s immune system.
- To Encourage The Development Of Strong Bone Tissue
Baked potatoes help with bone formation and maintenance because they are rich in calcium and iron. The process of making bone is dependent on calcium. Iron is an important ingredient in the production of collagen, which gives structure and strength to bones.
- To Maintain Constant Levels Of Blood Pressure
The best thing about baked potatoes for health is their ability to lower blood sugar. Baking potatoes can provide potassium and salt that help maintain good blood pressure. A metabolomics study by the Institute for Food Research revealed compounds in potatoes that are similar to kukoamines. There are some theories that kukoamines may be a blood pressure-lowering agent.
- To Lessen Levels Of Stress
Baked potatoes are rich in B6. Vitamin B6 is a powerful antioxidant that can impact the cognitive processes of our brains. It is responsible for the production and use of amines which are a type of neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters send messages from the brain to the rest to help it function properly. It can also affect how we feel.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates our mood and helps us stay positive. Dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that controls our motivation and drive, is an example. There are other essential neurotransmitters. It is easy to see why baked potatoes are considered comfort food.
