EEUU: End Potato Prejudice: 10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Potatoes
It’s easy to forget the health benefits of the potato. The humble tuber has acquired a bad rap over the past decade, and it’s high time for a tater comeback.
What was once a beloved vegetable — a staple of family dinners, practically required at holiday meals, and even turned into a series of adorable children’s toys — suddenly became the black sheep of the vegetable arena. Which is a shame, because potatoes are actually one of the healthiest vegetables on the planet, and you should eat more of them. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Groceries)
60 Days of Hot Spuds
In 2010, one man was determined to restore the reputation of the potato. Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission, ate nothing but potatoes for two months. The results were incredible — Voigt lowered his cholesterol, blood pressure, and lost 21 pounds.
Stats before and after the challenge:
Beginning weight: 197
Beginning blood glucose: 104
Beginning cholesterol: 214
Beginning triglycerides: 135
60 day weight: 176
60 day blood glucose: 94
60 day cholesterol: 147
60 day triglycerides: 75
To further demonstrate the merits of the noble potato, below are 10 reasons to eat potatoes with relish (pun intended) and without guilt.
1. Don’t Judge a Food by Its Color
Remember when potatoes were vilified and placed on the dreaded "white foods" list?
A lot of the "don’t eat white foods" hyperbole is a bit of an overreaction. White vegetables are good for you, and potatoes are a shining example.
In May 2013, Advances in Nutrition published "White Vegetables: A Forgotten Source of Nutrients." Data showed that white vegetables (including potatoes) are indeed nutritious, and the color of a vegetable did not predict nutritional value. In fact, many white vegetables provide essential nutrients most Americans lack.
2. Potatoes Are Cost-Effective
If you want the most bang for your buck, potatoes offer a great ROI.
A new study in PLOS One found that potatoes deliver an excellent nutritional value per penny, second only to beans. Potatoes provide an affordable source for essential nutrients like magnesium, fiber, and Vitamins C, E, and K. And they’re the most cost-effective source of potassium out of all food groups.
So if you’re broke and need cheap, nutritious food, pick up some taters. Use Chris Voigt as inspiration.
3. Potatoes Will Not Make You Obese or Inflamed
The whole "potatoes will make you fat" thing is a half-baked theory.
In April 2012, the University of Washington studied the relationship between regularly eating white potatoes and weight gain. Scientists found no association between obesity, diabetes, or levels of C-reactive protein (an inflammation marker) and the amount of white potato consumption. (This contradicts older research, which failed to include important demographic factors.)
Summary: White potatoes do not make you obese, cause Type 2 diabetes, or trigger systemic inflammation.
4. Nutrient Powerhouses
White potatoes are among the most nutritious vegetable in the world. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional value for a medium white potato, with skin:
Around 110 calories
Has more potassium than a banana or broccoli
Provides 35% of the daily value of Vitamin C
Has 10% of the daily value of B6
Contains two grams of sugar
Fat-free
Sodium free
Cholesterol-free
A good source of fiber
Fuente: https://www.wisebread.com/end-potato-prejudice-10-reasons-why-you-should-eat-potatoes