Friday 31 January 2014

9 reasons why you should be eating potatoes

Most people are aware that a human needs the
mineral iron to have adequate energy, but iron
plays other important roles in your body, including
white and red blood cell production, resistance to
stress, proper immune functioning and the
metabolizing of protein, among the others.

1. Potato is high in vitamin B6

This Vitamin helps reduce the chemical homocysteine in
your body which has been linked with degenerative
diseases, as well as the prevention of heart attacks.

2. Potato is a good source of vitamin C

While most of you know that vitamin C is important to
help get rid of cold and flu viruses, few of you are aware
that this crucial vitamin plays an important role in tooth
and bone formation, digestion and blood cell formation.
Vitamin C helps accelerate healing of wound, produces
collagen which helps maintain youthful elasticity of your
skin and is essential to helping you cope with stress. It
even appears to help protect your body against toxins that
might be linked to cancer.

3. Potato contains Vitamin D

This vitamin is critical for your immune system and
overall health especially during cold seasons. Both a
vitamin and a hormone, vitamin D is primarily made in
your body as a result of getting adequate sunlight. You
might have heard about seasonal affective disorder, or sad
as it is also known, which is linked to inadequate sunlight
and therefore a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays an
important role in your mood, energy level and helps to
build healthy bones, heart, nerves, skin and teeth and as
well supports your thyroid gland.

4. Potato contains iron

Most people are aware that a human needs the mineral
iron to have adequate energy, but iron plays other
important roles in your body, including white and red
blood cell production, resistance to stress, proper immune
functioning and the metabolizing of protein, among the
others.

5. Potato is a good source of magnesium

Magnesium is the relaxation and anti stress mineral. It is
essential for healthy artery, blood, bone; heart, muscle and
nerve system, yet scientists estimate that approximately 75
percent of the population of North countries may be
deficient in this important mineral.

6. Potato is a source of potassium

One of the important electrolytes that help regulate
heartbeat and nerve signals is potassium. Like the other
electrolytes, it performs several essential functions, some
of that include relaxing muscle contractions, reducing
swelling, protecting and controlling the activity of your
kidneys.

7. Potato is naturally sweet

Their natural sugar is slowly released into the
bloodstream, helping to ensure a balanced and regular
source of energy, without the glucose spikes linked to
fatigue and weight gain.

8. Potato is high in carotenoids

Potato's rich orange color indicates that they are full of
carotenoids such as ß carotene and other ones, which is the
precursor to vitamin A in the body. Carotenoids help
strengthen your eyesight and boost your immune system.
They are useful antioxidants that help ward off cancer and
protect against the effects of aging. Studies at one
university of more than 125,000 people showed a 30
percent reduction in risk of lung cancer in people who
consumed a variety of carotenoid rich foods as part of
their regular diet. Another research of women who had
done treatment for early stage breast cancer conducted by
researchers found that women with the highest blood
concentrations of carotenoids had the least likelihood of
cancer recurrence.

9. Potato is versatile

Try roasted, puréed, steamed, baked, or grilled potatoes.
You can add potatoes to stews and soups, or grill and put
on top of leafy greens for a delicious salad. Enjoy grilling
them with onions and red peppers for amazing sandwich
or wrap ingredients. Puree potatoes and add to smoothies
and baked goods.

Via: Fitnea

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