The Idaho Potato Commission’s latest marketing outreach touts the nutritional benefits of eating potatoes, which are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6 and dietary fiber, according to a news release.
“Idaho potatoes are one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the produce aisle. Not to mention they’re versatile and affordable, making them the ideal staple for busy families focused on eating healthy,” Jamey Higham, president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, said in the release.
According to the commission, here are the top 10 reasons to eat more potatoes:
- Idaho potatoes are the first vegetable to participate in the American Diabetes Association’s Better Choices For Life program.
- Potatoes’ versatility makes it a perfect vegetable to pair with many dishes.
- When cooked and cooled, potatoes develop resistant starch, a type of fiber that acts similarly to soluble fiber, promoting gut health and metabolic benefits.
- Thanks to a potato’s fiber content, it is a satisfying and filling food choice. Including potatoes in meals help consumers feel fuller for longer periods.
- Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing a sustained energy source without causing rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels.
- The American Heart Association certified potatoes as a heart-healthy food.
- Potatoes are rich in antioxidants and beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids.
- Another way to increase potato consumption is through different cooking methods, such as steaming, roasting, baking or grilling.
- Potato skins offer a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins.
- One potato has more potassium than a banana, which helps regulate blood pressure, nerve function and muscle contractions.
