Okay so you might not want to be called a “potato head” (because of the negative stigma spuds typically carry) but good news: recent studies show potatoes really aren't that bad for you after all!
Sure... this starchy stuff can be extremely calorie-dense when they're smothered in cheese, mixed up with mayo, doused in sour cream or deep fried—but when consumed in their purest (and organic if possible) form, this tuberous plant actually contains some humongous health perks.
Here are 5 great reasons to love potatoes:
1. Each piece of this produce is packed with potassium.
One large spud (baked with the skin on) contains a whopping 1,600 milligrams of potassium, which is nearly half your recommended amount for the entire day. That's almost four times the amount of nutrients in a medium banana (which is notorious for its potassium count). This plant is also loaded with lots of electrolytes, which are key to staying hydrated as well as helpful for managing hypertension, or high blood pressure.
2. Potatoes are packed with fiber.
Eating the skin from a large spud provides as much as 7 grams of dietary fiber to your meal. Without eating the skin, however, your intake drops down to a measly 1 gram. Dietary fiber, which is also a carbohydrate, can help you stay fuller longer and has also been shown to
- aid in reducing risks of heart attack
- help lower your "bad cholesterol"
- assist in the prevention of diabetes
3. Spuds have a hearty dose of vitamin C.
The highest concentration of vitamin C in potatoes can be found in the skin. You take in as much as 29 milligrams of C in just one large tater, to be exact. That's more than a third of the amount of this vitamin found in an orange. Not only can high doses of vitamin C play an important role as an antioxidant in the body, it can help ward off those awful 'bugs' during cold & flu season and even help in healing wounds much faster.
4. Potatoes are a superb source of manganese.
If you're not too familiar with this nutrient... here's a few tidbits about it and why we all need it: Manganese plays an instrumental role in processing proteins, carbs, cholesterol and can also help with the formation of stronger bones. One big o' spud (with the skin on of course) contains 33% of your recommended daily amount of manganese.
5. They’re rich in vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6 is sometimes known as a “behind the scenes” vitamin because it works hard internally (within the cardiovascular, digestive, immune, muscular and nervous systems). Your body needs abundant amounts of B6 daily to function optimally... which is why even one small spud, when eaten with the skin on, is a great place to start!
Although the summer season has come and gone... if you're still looking for additional ways to maintain a sleek physique throughout the remainder of the year, NewMeMD can customize a medically supervised weight loss program designed exactly for your specific needs.
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Here's to sexier, slender YOU (even with spuds included in your eating regimen)!
--Your NewMeMD Wellness Team
