1. Bang for your buck
Potatoes can last for ages, as they don’t spoil easily, if they are stored correctly. If you keep potatoes in a cool, dark, dry place and buy in bulk too, the savings are even more.
2. Fuel for your day
Potatoes are a high quality energy source to power your day. A medium baked potato (180g) offers the same amount of energy as a rusk, but with a better feeling of fullness and satisfaction due to the higher volume.
3. Plant protein
Did you know that potatoes contain plant protein? A medium potato with skin (180g) provides 4.5 g of protein – that’s equivalent to the protein content of half an egg.
4. Love the skin they’re in
Make sure your potatoes are showing some skin! The fibre in potatoes, when eaten with their skin can contribute to total fibre intake, that can help to keep you regular, lower cholesterol and maintain good gut health. When you peel potatoes, the fibre content is almost halved.
5. Potassium power
Want to meet almost 20% of your daily recommended potassium intake? Easy peasy: eat a medium sized potato (180g) with the skin on. Potassium has been shown to help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar, prevent kidney stones and promote stronger bones.
6. How low can you go
Another potato heart health highlight is that they are naturally low in sodium (salt) and rich in potassium. This favourable mineral ratio makes them a great addition to any diet for managing high blood pressure.
7. Vitamin C, you see
There’s more…potatoes are also a source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant, necessary for many functions in the body. Vitamin C helps to fight off cellular damage, is used as a building block for collagen formation and aids with iron absorption for healthy immunity.
8. Know your ABCs
And while we’re talking about vitamins, did you know potatoes contain vitamin B6, niacin, folate, copper, iodine, iron, phosphorous, manganese, magnesium, zinc and calcium? These essential nutrients all contribute towards keeping your body healthy for optimal functioning.
9. Phab phytonutrients
Plant foods are rich in natural compounds called phytonutrients that are anti-inflammatory and prevent damage to the cells of your body. Potatoes naturally have these protective powerhouses that may help to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases.
10. Very versatile
What’s not to love about a food that can be used at every meal? Jacket potatoes for dinner tonight can be used for potato pancakes for breakfast or a potato salad for lunch the next day. Visit www.potatonation.co.za for new, fun ideas to perfect your plate with potatoes.
