How many times have you heard that you should avoid potatoes if you are on a diet? The little innocent thing has earned such a bad reputation as “unhealthy and fatty food “ that dieters run away simply by the mention of its name. But do you know that potatoes are a recommended diet food, especially for those who lack essential vitamins and fibre in their body?
The potato isn't inherently bad and it shouldn't be treated as such. However, when the potato is smothered in cheese, mashed with mayo and doused in sour cream or is deep-fried, it loses its inherent properties. Boom News lists six reasons why you should love potatoes and eat it too!
Good for people with high blood pressure: The skin of the potato is loaded with potassium, which plays a crucial role in lowering blood pressure. One large spud baked with the skin on contains at least 1,600 milligrams of potassium, nearly half the recommended amount for an entire day and almost four times as much as a medium banana. Potato also serves as an essential electrolyte key to hydration and athletic performance.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C: Think of vitamin C, think of potatoes! Do you know that one medium sized potato has 45% of your daily requirement of vitamin C? Not only is vitamin C essential to boost your immune system, studies also show that having adequate amounts of vitamin C can keep stress levels down by stopping the secretion of stress hormones.
Read More: Benefits of eating potatoes
Potatoes contain fibre. The skin of the potatoes is the healthiest for its fibre content. Fibre aids in weight-loss, keeps your heart healthy and improves digestion. Eating a potato with its skin can be a good way to put more fibre into your diet. To get more health benefits from the skin, try topping it with broccoli and salsa.
Potatoes are fat-free, sodium-free and low in sugar. Contrary to popular belief, potatoes are low in sugar and sodium, and, hold on to it, does not contain any fat!! Yes, we say once more, does not contain any fat. Also, one medium size potato contains about one gram of sugar. But if you fry that innocent potato and top them with loads of unhealthy fat and salt, it surely is bad diet food.
Potatoes are loaded in manganese: You might be less familiar with this nutrient but that doesn't mean you don't need it. Manganese plays an essential role in processing protein, carbs and cholesterol and may also be involved in bone formation. One large potato with the skin on contains 33% of your recommended daily amount of manganese.
Rich in vitamin B6. This vitamin does much of its work "behind the scenes," and aids in producing essential brain hormones. With 46% of your daily recommended B6, a potato, with the skin on, is a good place to start.
Read: 7 bad foods that are actually good for you