Nutritional Value of Potato

The nutritional value of potato along with its taste and ease of cooking has made it the most popular vegetable in the entire world. Think of the day when you didn't eat even a single dish containing potatoes. Quite difficult, right?

It is said that on an average, an American consumes 62 kg of potatoes each year. We consume almost one spud of potato every day . No doubt, people consume so many potatoes because they are a good source of nutrition.

Natural potato is a good source of calories. In fact many people in poor countries, who cannot afford high-calorie diet such as milk products, meat and pulses, use potatoes as their prime source of calories. In the seveenth century potato became famous across Europe as a crop that could save people during famines. But did you know that it is also a good source of nutrients?

Given below are some nutrient facts, information and nutritional value of potatoes:

• Mineral content: If you eat potatoes regularly, you ensure a good supply of water and ions in your body. This is because, potato is rich in potassium. The concentration being higher in the skin and just beneath it. So, eating the potato with its skin is always beneficial. Potato also contains calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
• Vitamin content: Natural potatoes are known for the large amounts of Vitamin C present in them. Typically, 100 gm of potato will contain about 17 mg of Vitamin C. In addition to this, natural potato also contains Vitamin A, B and P.
• Water content: Potato looks very big in size, but water accounts for about 70-80 percent of the weight of a potato. So the belief that you become fat by eating potatoes is a misconception. Of course if your potato servings contain large quantities of butter, or if you can't keep away from those high-in-fat-and-cholesterol French fries, you are bound to become overweight.
• Starch content: Potato contains about 17% starch and it is one of the best natural sources of starch. Potato sprouting leads to conversion of starch into sugar and hence you should avoid eating sprouted potatoes.