6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Red Potatoes

As a “white food”, potatoes are often lumped together with white bread and white pasta, which are considered off limits when trying to eat healthy. However, with only about 110 calories, 45% of your daily value of vitamin C, more potassium than a banana, naturally fat-free, zero sodium or cholesterol – based on science alone, red potatoes should be a part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Red potatoes can have an enormous impact on health. There are so many methods and reasons to incorporate wholesome red potatoes into a daily diet and lifestyle. Here are 6.

# Increased Overall Vegetable Consumption

What better way to introduce or excite people (especially kids) to eating veggies, then adding them to an already healthy red potato? Research, commissioned by the US Potato Board, and presented at The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Conference in Washington, D.C., has shown that potatoes do not displace other vegetables on the plate but that they actually have been proven to increase servings of veggies at mealtime.

# Lower Stress Levels

Red potatoes have at least 10% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin B6. This vitamin is crucial for cellular renewal, a healthy nervous system and a balanced mood. The addition of this vitamin along with the other health benefits of red potatoes will help with everyday stress and also lower cholesterol and help prevent heart disease. In order to get the maximum about of B6 out of your potatoes, is roast or bake red potatoes.

# Increased Energy

Baked, mashed, or boiled, red potatoes actually provide more energy-delivering complex carbohydrates than a cup of pasta. Rich in complex carbohydrates and other vitamins, potatoes are a fantastic fuel for our bodies. Unadulterated and unprocessed, they are probably the best and most delicious source of starchy energy possible in our diets. In a world where many carbohydrates are so processed that they are devoid of essential nutrients, the red potato stands head and shoulders above the rest, naturally.

# Naturally Fat Free

That’s it. The bad stuff associated with potatoes comes from the different ways of preparing or topping regular potatoes. With red potatoes, there’s a naturally buttery flavor and moist texture. Boil, roast or bake a red potato, include some fresh herbs and seasonings, add fresh veggies, and it’s still delicious and fat free.

# Healthy Blood Pressure

Naturally sodium free and high in potassium, red potatoes are a major contributor of maintaining a healthy blood pressure. In order to keep cells, nerves and body fluids in your body healthy, potassium is essential, and sodium is dangerous. Red potatoes have more potassium per serving that ANY OTHER fruit of vegetable.
Did you know: A banana has 9% of your daily needs in terms of potassium. A red potato has almost 20%.

# Naturally Gluten Free

Weather you have gluten intolerance, or are on a gluten free diet, potatoes should still be an essential part of your daily diet. A common misconception is that gluten and carbohydrates are basically the same thing. They are not. White vegetables are not the same as white flour. Carbohydrates consist of sugar, while gluten is a group of proteins.