12 health benefits of potatoes and 6 reasons to avoid them

Potatoes: The Food That’s So Delicious, It’s Worth Digging For

Why did the potato go to the police? It was mugged by a group of French fries!

Potatoes are a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum. The word “potato” may refer to the plant itself as well as the edible tuber. In the region of the Andes, there are some other closely related cultivated potato species. Potatoes were first domesticated by indigenous peoples in the Andes mountains of South America. They were introduced to Europe in the 16th century by the Spanish. Potatoes are a staple food in many parts of the world, and are a good source of carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C.

Here are some of the health benefits of potatoes:

• Good source of carbohydrates: Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy.
• High in potassium: Potatoes are high in potassium, which is an important mineral for regulating blood pressure.
• Good source of vitamin C: Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps to protect the body against damage from free radicals.
• Versatile and affordable: Potatoes are a versatile and affordable food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
• Potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, roasting, frying, and mashing. They can be eaten plain or cooked in a variety of dishes, such as french fries, mashed potatoes, and potato salad.

Benefits of eating potatoes

1. Rich in Vitamin B, C, folate, potassium, magnesium and iron.

2. Lowers hypertension.

3. Fights cardio-vascular disease.

4. Aids digestion.

5. Relieves stress. Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1206765/Why-potatoes-suprising-health-benefit-key-lasting-weight-loss.html

6. Helps in weight gain.

7. Can be used for a skin care regimen.

8. Helps in treating scurvy.

9. Reduces inflammation

10. Fights cancer.

11. Improves brain function.

12. Good food in case of diarrhea. Source: http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-potato.html

Interactions of eating potatoes

1. Potatoes can interact with thrombolytic drugs. Source: http://www.rxlist.com/potato-page3/supplements.htm#Interactions

2. Potatoes can cause arthritis in susceptible individuals Source: http://noarthritis.com/research.htm

3. Rich in potassium and can interact with potassium supplements and potassium sparing diuretics. Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/potassium_supplements-injection/page2.htm

4. Potatoes can interact with ACE inhibitors. Source: http://www.nutrition411.com/patient-education-materials/heart-health/item/1414-beta-blockers-and-diet/

5. Potatoes can interact with anti-hypertensive drugs. Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/341876-foods-that-interfere-with-blood-pressure-medication/

6. Solanine in potato can interact with anticholinergic and anti-muscarinic drugs. Source: https://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2013/lambert_made/interactions.htm

7. Potatoes can interact with Phytophthora infestans. Source: http://www.udea.edu.co/portal/page/portal/bibliotecaSedesDependencias/unidadesAcademicas/CorporacionAcademicaAmbiental/BilbiotecaDiseno/Archivos/MPMI180913.pdf

8. Solanum tuberosum agglutinin can interact with human platelets. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6732807

9. Tuberosum can interact with various life forms. Source: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plants-with-novel-traits/applicants/directive-94-08/biology-documents/solanum-tuberosum-l-/eng/1330982063974/1330982145930#D0

Health conditions to avoid potatoes

1. People with diabetes should avoid potatoes. Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/359316-the-health-risks-of-potatoes/

2. People with psoriasis should avoid potatoes. Source: http://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriasis/foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-psoriasis.aspx

3. Hypothyroid patients should avoid potatoes. Source: http://www.md-health.com/Foods-To-Be-Avoided-By-Hypothyroid-Patients.html

4. People with arthritis should avoid potato

5. Overweight individuals should avoid potato.

6. People with inflammatory bowel disease should avoid potato. Source: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/potatoes-healthy/#axzz38tKNTjY6

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/potatoes-144248/

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