Nowadays the potato is part of the gastronomy of almost everyone. It is a very versatile food that can be prepared fried, boiled or even baked. It also combines very well with many other ingredients.
But not only that, the potato has nutritional properties that you should know.. It contains vitamins, proteins and minerals in different amounts and all of them benefit our body in one way or another.
The nutritional properties of the potato
The truth is that the potato has a bad reputation. It is a tuber that is usually eliminated from weight loss diets. It is believed to be a food that causes weight gain. But this is not true, it is enough to eat it with moderation and not to fry it..
This belief is due to the fact that it is one of the vegetables with the highest calorie content.. However, the calorie content is similar to that of some cereals. So instead of leaving potatoes aside, it is better to know their properties and enjoy them.
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1. Satiating
Potatoes are a very satiating food. That is to say that with a smaller portion, the feeling of fullness is faster than with other foods.. This is due to the fact that potatoes have a high carbohydrate content, which as a result gives the body a feeling of satiety with a small amount of food.
This contradicts the belief that potatoes are fattening. On the contrary, if they are consumed in adequate quantities and, above all, boiled, potatoes help us to eat less food but to have an immediate feeling of satiety.
2. They regulate intestinal transit
The fiber contained in potatoes helps regulate intestinal transit. The greatest amount of fiber in the potato is found in the skin, so it should be cooked and consumed whole in order to take advantage of this benefit.Therefore, it should be cooked and consumed whole in order to take advantage of this benefit. To enhance its effect, it should be ingested with sufficient water.
However, it is important that potatoes are eaten in moderation. The starch content is very high and causes heaviness because it is not as digestible as fiber. This causes bloating in the stomach, hence the belief that potatoes are fattening.
3. Good mood
That’s right, potatoes can help you have a better mood. Among the vitamins that are concentrated in potatoes is vitamin B6. The concentration of this is very high above other B vitamins. And vitamin B6 has among its functions the synthesis of several neurotransmitters.
Most of the neurotransmitters that benefit from vitamin B6 have to do with mood, such as serotonin. When a person has problems with stress, depression or insomnia, it is recommended to maintain optimal levels of vitamin B6.. Potatoes have an important content of this vitamin.
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4. They control sugar
Contrary to popular belief,potato chips can be beneficial to your health.. It should be considered that all foods, no matter how healthy they are, should be consumed in a balanced way and in moderation. Such is the case of potato chips, which can stop being a benefit for the body and become a problem if consumed in excess.
French fries promote insulin sensitivity. They help control blood sugar levels and lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides. On the other hand, boiled and fried potatoes also have this same function.
5. Reduces uric acid
Potato skin can help reduce uric acid. It is important that uric acid levels are kept in balance, as this can lead to kidney stones.. There are some vitamins and minerals that help prevent this from happening by reducing uric acid levels in the blood.
Vitamin B, potassium, copper and manganese are nutrients that keep uric acid at bay. Potato skins contain these minerals and vitamins, so eating potatoes with the skins on can help with this purpose.
6. Strengthens the heart
Potatoes are rich in potassium. There are multiple studies that point to potassium as a determining factor in preventing cardiovascular diseases. This is because the blood pressure is regulated by potassium, which considerably reduces the risk of suffering from heart disease.
It also contains phenolsphenols, the same as those found in spinach and cabbage, which are also are substances that contribute to reduce the risk of developing diseases related to the cardiovascular system..
7. Antioxidants
It was believed that the potato did not contain much nutritional value. However, in recent years it has been discovered that the skin and white flesh of the potato do have high nutritional value, even some comparable to spinach or goji berries. All these attributes make the potato a nutritious food.
One of these properties, unknown until recently, is its antioxidant capacity.. Together with the amount of vitamin B, the minerals it contains and the fiber in the skin, the potato is an antioxidant food that helps regenerate cells.
8. Strengthens the immune system
Potatoes are a food that helps strengthen the immune system. This property is due to the fact that this vegetable contains Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin B6 and folic acid. These four nutrients are directly involved in the fixation of nutrients in the body and therefore in strengthening the immune system.
So consuming potatoes in moderation and combining them with other foods would be helping us to fight diseases. As long as we maintain a balanced diet that allows us to complete the rest of essential nutrients for the body.
9. Help in the relief of gastritis
There are home remedies that include potatoes to relieve gastritis. Steamed or baked potatoes are used to combat gastritis-related ailments.. But it is also recommended to drink raw potato juice for the same purpose. It is a solution that has been done in a traditional way and it works very well.
This same can be carried out for cases of acetone or even for events that cause febrile. The nutritional properties of the potato make it possible to enjoy this benefit, which is also harmless.