The potato is a treasure trove of benefits. It can lower the risk of colon cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, anemia, and prevent high blood pressure. Muscle contractions are beneficial for your gum health, and it can protect the body's immune system from infections.
Rich in Vitamin C, it prevents aging.
Rao Pingfan, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology and a member of the Executive Committee of the International Union of Food Science and Technology, points out: "In addition to the characteristics of grains, potatoes are also rich in Vitamin C. The content of their trace elements is so high that even fruits like bananas and apples cannot compare." Oxidation is a natural process of aging that can easily lead to chronic diseases. Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant, and a medium-sized potato contains 27mg or 45% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C for the human body.
Rich in minerals, it prevents cardiovascular diseases.
Potatoes are rich in potassium and low in sodium, providing 21% of the daily potassium requirement for the human body. They are also rich in other essential minerals for human survival, such as phosphorus, calcium, zinc, folic acid, and magnesium. Potassium helps with muscle contraction and the balance of body cell fluids and electrolytes. The combined action of potassium, magnesium, and calcium can enhance the elasticity of blood vessels and has a preventive effect on cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and hypertension.
It creates a feeling of fullness, which is beneficial for weight loss.
Some people mistakenly believe that reducing carbohydrate intake is necessary to control weight. Potatoes are thought to be fattening because they create a feeling of fullness. Professor Chen Jing, Director of the Nutrition Teaching and Research Office at Jinan University, explains that potatoes are almost fat-free. Coupled with the satiating effect of their dietary fiber, they actually help control total intake and aid in better human digestion and absorption, making them a great modern solution for weight control.
Correct way to eat: Don't forget the skin.
Potatoes with their skin on are rich in dietary fiber and potassium. The very thin outermost layer of the potato has no nutritional value and can be rubbed off with a gentle touch. However, the layer underneath, which is rich in nutrients, should be preserved.