Potatoes get a bad rap due to their association with unhealthy snacks. After all, French fries are almost synonymous with junk food. However, this vegetable is much more than an entry on the menu of fast-food restaurants.
Some Historical Facts
First, a couple of interesting historical facts. Potatoes are native to the Peruvian-Bolivian Andes. The invading Spaniards took this vegetable to Europe in the second half of the 16th century and it didn’t take long for it to become a major crop.
In fact, the economy of entire countries came to depend on the potato. The most famous case is Ireland, where the potato famine of the mid-19th century had historic consequences, including the immigration to the United States of more than 1.5 million adults and children who would go on to become an important part of American culture.
Nutrients
The episodes outlined above offer a partial answer to our question. Are potatoes good for you? Well, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be able to sustain entire countries. Let’s take a look at the nutrients potatoes have to offer.
- Potassium: Contributes to heart health. Note that it’s concentrated in the potato skin.
- Magnesium: Mineral involved in energy creation, protein formation, and nervous system regulation
- Phosphorus: Keeps bones strong and helps produce energy
- Vitamin C: Is reduced when cooking the potatoes, but leaving the skin reduces this loss
- Vitamin B6: This nutrient is involved in blood formation
- Folate: Also concentrated in the skin, this vitamin is needed to make DNA
Additionally, potatoes are extremely filling, so they are a smart choice if you are trying to lose weight.
However, keep in mind that potato allergy exists, although it’s relatively rare. Also, frequent consumption of potatoes as fried chips of French fries is to be avoided, as it may contribute to obesity and other ailments.
In order to take full advantage of the nutrient profile of potatoes, is best to eat them baked without peeling the skin and without adding high-calorie toppings.
Learn More Interesting Food Facts
At Chef Gourmet we know good food, and part of our mission is sharing that knowledge with you. For example. these are some previous posts packed with interesting culinary facts.
- Basmati, The Prince of Rice
- How chicken became a global food
- Why is it important to eat vegetables?
- How Tomatoes Conquered the World
- Soba Noodles: Everything You Need to Know
- Marinara: the Story Behind the Legendary Italian Sauce
- The stories behind 5 curious types of tacos
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