The potato is a tuber that today is present in every home. It is very popular among people for its low price, its nutritional content and for the variety of dishes that can be cooked with it. The potato is obtained from the plant called Solanum tuberosum and has its origin in South America. With the arrival of the Spanish in America, it expanded to the rest of the world, and with it, the diversity of recipes to taste it increased. You can prepare it roasted, fried, cooked, stuffed, pureed, stewed or baked.
The potato has little fat in its composition and preparing it in a healthy way, whether baked, roasted or cooked, can help us keep the line. It produces a feeling of satiety that reduces the amount of food we eat , therefore, it is an interesting option in diets to lose weight. In addition, its high amount of complex carbohydrates provide us with energy that is released gradually , preventing blood glucose from rising.
Its different preparation methods
The caloric intake of the potato depends a lot on the ingredients that accompany its preparation and the method we use to cook it. The potato can go from containing 80 calories per 100 grams, if it is boiled, to more than 450 calories, if it is fried , for this reason, it is very important to take care of how we are going to prepare it if your goal is to maintain or reduce your weight.
On the other hand, the potato will always lose part of its nutritional properties when cooked, no matter what method of preparation you use . You lose a lot of vitamin C, especially when your skin is removed before boiling. When we fry it, in addition to absorbing a large amount of fat, the content of minerals and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is reduced. When preparing it in the oven, it loses fewer vitamins and minerals, but due to the high temperature, it loses more vitamin C than if it had been boiled.
The tendency to consume fast food forces people to buy their food on the street, but it is generally unhealthy. Today the demand for potato chips has increased because people no longer have time to prepare their food at home. Excessive consumption of high-energy products and lack of physical activity can lead to overweight and cardiovascular disease.
Potato properties
Potatoes are rich in fiber, which makes them excellent for fighting constipation because they help regulate intestinal transit. One way to prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids is to consume boiled potatoes, since they will make the stool softer. On the other hand, fiber helps reduce high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
The different types of potatoes help to strengthen the immune system due to their content of substances such as quercetin, carotenoids, anthocyanins, among others. In addition, we cannot fail to mention its antioxidant content, excellent aids to slow aging and fight free radicals.
The potato contains vitamin C, B vitamins, minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and manganese. Its consumption provides the daily proteins that the body needs. In addition, its content of folic acid and iron stimulate the production of red blood cells in the body, helping to fight anemia. The various minerals and organic salt in the potato provide it with anti-inflammatory qualities, making it a great option for treating arthritis and rheumatism.
Consuming the cooked potato, which has already been allowed to cool, helps regulate the blood sugar level and lowers the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides. It is also of great help to treat any condition related to the cardiovascular system and hypertension , since it improves blood circulation due to the chlorogenic acid that acts as a natural diuretic.
Benefits for the skin
Potato can act as an excellent natural exfoliator that will soften your skin and help eliminate dark circles. If your skin suffers from rashes, burns and irritations caused by external factors, potato juice will help you alleviate any discomfort, as it contains soothing properties that reduce irritation and reduce inflammation .
Potato juice will also help you heal eczema, dry skin and blemishes on the skin because it keeps it hydrated and deflated. Its vitamin C content helps to produce collagen and elastin , that is, it stimulates cell regeneration quickly and delays the appearance of some aging features.
Definitely, the potato is a nutritious food and a great ally for our body, as it benefits us inside and out . It ranges from improving the functioning of the digestive system, to generating a radiant and rejuvenated skin. Therefore, we leave you the following video with delicious ideas of dishes made with potato. Don’t hesitate any longer and start including it in your diet as soon as possible!
