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Is potato good for health or not? Some vouch for the potato’s health benefits such as being able to prevent cancer. But others say the tuber is anything but healthy.
So, which is it?
Potato, one of the world’s important food crops, is a perennial plant belonging to the family known as Solanaceae. It is a starchy edible tuber obtained from the root of solanum tuberosum. Its importance as a food crop is fourth in order after rice, wheat and corn.
The potato originated in Peru. Introduced to Europe way back in 1536 where it became a daily staple for the people, it gained popularity in Asian countries by sea trade.
One third of a potato is water, and one fourth nutritional. Rich in carbohydrate, with very little fat, one potato contains about two grams of protein. Besides, it has potassium and vitamin-C and it is rich in fibre.
According to the USDA, a potato has 94 calories, 15 grams of fat, 0 gram of cholesterol, 21.08 grams of carbohydrate, 2.1 grams of fibre, 2.10 grams of protein, 10 mg of calcium, 0.64 grams of iron, 27 mg of magnesium, 75 mg of phosphorus, 12.6 mg of vitamin-C, 544 mg of potassium and 0.211 mg of vitamin B6.
One third of a potato is water, and one fourth nutritional. Rich in carbohydrate, with very little fat, one potato contains about two grams of protein. Besides, it has potassium and vitamin-C and it is rich in fibre
Since a potato has less protein and more carbohydrate, it is recommended for lean and lanky people. As it has Vitamin C, it can be consumed by those with low immunity. The vitamin C in it serves as an antioxidant. Its potassium is beneficial for people with cardiac problems and high blood pressure.
Potato skin has fibre content and its starch prevents gastrointestinal inflammation.
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A boiled potato taken daily ensures availability of vitamin B6 in the body. The 25 per cent of magnesium and vitamin B available in a boiled potato help in the brain growth of a foetus during pregnancy. The folate in the vitamin B stalls the growth of cancerous cells that may arise following a DNA disorder.
Potatoes are a good remedy for those suffering from intestinal wounds and stomach problems. The vitamin-C and carotene in potatoes prevent scurvy in children.
But whether a potato is bad or good for you mainly depends on how it is cooked. When overcooked or fried in oil, potatoes can be unhealthy. When it is cooked in temperatures beyond 120 degree celsius, potatoes release acrylamide, a chemical, say studies. Acrylamide is found in plastics, dyes and smoke from cigarettes and is a major contributory factor for cancer and also affects the health of reproductive systems and DNA. So it is better to avoid frying potatoes.
Never use potatoes after they have sprouted. They are toxic and can cause diarrhoea and wounds along the intestinal tract. Particularly, expecting mothers should say no outright to sprouted potatoes lest they should affect the baby
Medical practitioners advise that children are not fed French fries and chips for this reason.
Senior citizens with lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart problems and gastrointestinal problems had better say goodbye to potato dishes as well. Besides, those suffering from obesity should only consume potatoes in small quantities.
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Also, never use potatoes after they have sprouted. They are toxic and can cause diarrhoea and wounds along the intestinal tract. Particularly, expecting mothers should say no outright to sprouted potatoes lest they should affect the baby.
So caution and restraint must be exercised while eating potatoes.
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