Health Benefits Of Potatoes

Everyone loves potatoes! Every meal you add potatoes too which makes it even tastier. You can also eat potatoes on their own, in various ways- mashed potatoes, french fries, or baked potatoes. There is no way you can get potatoes wrong. Some would dare to say that potatoes are the king of vegetables. Apart from tasting magnificent, potatoes also have many health benefits! 

They are naturally gluten-free, making them one of the most popular gluten-free diets globally. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity can experience severe discomfort when they consume foods containing gluten. Symptoms they may experience include sharp stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Some may even experience bloating and skin rashes. It is however important to note that while potatoes are gluten-free, many common potato recipes are not. Some potato dishes that include bread, for instance, are not gluten friendly. To avoid any adverse reactions, it is important that you read the ingredients carefully before eating the dish.

The resistant starch in potatoes also helps improve digestive health. As the resistant starch reaches the large intestine, it becomes food for beneficial gut bacteria. Once bacteria ingest it, they become short-chain fatty acids, essentially becoming harmful to human health. Scientific research has shown that eating potatoes reduces inflammation in the colon and strengthens its defenses. 

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Potatoes also contain loads of antioxidants. They are rich in compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids. These substances neutralize potentially harmful molecules in the body, which if accumulated in the body, can increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Fun Fact: studies have also found that colored potatoes, such as purple potatoes, contain three to four times more antioxidants than white potatoes, making them more effective at neutralizing harmful substances.