Potatoes are a type of tuber vegetables that are considered the most to be rich in carbohydrates and fats. These are from the scientific family Solanaceae which includes tomatoes in it as well. Potatoes are not only popular or eaten in one place or country but throughout the world, in huge amounts. A lot of innovative dishes are made from potatoes which tastes differently according to different regions.
One of the most important aspects about potatoes is that they are completely gluten-free. That is why people having lactose intolerance can also eat potatoes and various dishes containing potatoes.
Main Types of Potatoes and their Uses
Following are some important types of potatoes popularly used throughout the world and their uses –
- Russet Potatoes:
This type of potato is very starchy and large-sized. Also, they are extremely dark brown-colored.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes:
As the name suggests, this potato has gold-colored skin and yellow-colored flesh overall.
Once you properly understand the individual uses of these types of potatoes, it becomes easier to make your potato-enriched dish tasty and interesting for sure.
Potatoes: Health Benefits
The health benefits of potatoes on humans are immense and some of the most crucial ones among them are discussed below –
- Makes Immune System Stronger:
Strengthening the immune system is also an important task fulfilled by potatoes.
- The Richness of Potassium preserves Heart Health:
The richness of potassium in potatoes helps them preserve heart health for a longer time.
- Provides Energy to the Body for much Longer:
Potatoes have the capability to provide energy to human body for at least 8-10 hours or sometimes even more.
The above health benefits of potatoes align with their varied uses. You may include potatoes in even the most junk dishes and still get at least the bare minimum health benefits from it undoubtedly.
Nutritional Value of Potatoes
Below is a detailed report of the immense nutritional value that potatoes offer to people throughout the world in whichever dishes they are used –
- Major Source of Various Vitamins:
A rich content of vitamins can be found in potatoes which makes it very important for people to eat regularly and include in as many meals as possible.
- High Quantity of Carbohydrates:
Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, which are very essential for providing energy to the human body.
- Potato Skin has a High Amount of Dietary Fiber:
Eating potato skin helps human body in getting a lot of dietary fibers for improving the digestion internally and consistently.
- Rich in Other Minerals:
Potatoes are enriched with various other minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and iron which help in regulating body activities.
Along with the great nutritional value of potatoes, there are also some restrictions which people eating potatoes need to follow. Let’s discuss about these restrictions or conditions in the next segment.
Conditions When You Should Avoid the Use of Potatoes
- Potatoes are a little difficult to digest and that is why people having gastrointestinal conditions should completely avoid eating potatoes.
- When potatoes have become mushy and extra soft in texture, they are about to get damaged. That is why it will be very dangerous to eat such potatoes because they may cause food poisoning or other digestive diseases to people.
- Those who are allergic to potatoes should make sure to avoid potatoes and all the recipes made with it. If you have mild allergies, then they can be treated with medicines and then potatoes can be consumed. However, if you have extreme and permanent allergies, then avoiding potatoes and products completely is very important.
