Discover the Nutritional Benefits of Wisconsin Potatoes
The potato is a staple food and a favorite vegetable of many around the world. It is versatile and can be prepared in countless ways, making it an essential ingredient in many dishes. But beyond its delicious taste, have you ever stopped to think about the nutritional benefits of potatoes? Let’s explore the impressive nutritional profile of Wisconsin potatoes and highlight why they should be a part of your regular diet.
Rich in Fiber
Did you know that a medium-sized potato, when consumed with the skin, is an excellent source of dietary fiber? The average adult requires around 25-35 grams of fiber daily, and potatoes can help you reach that daily intake by providing 2 grams of fiber per potato. Fiber is essential for digestive health, aids in weight management, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Including potatoes in your diet is a great way to increase your fiber intake, provided you prepare them healthily, of course.
High in Essential Vitamins
Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, B6, and potassium, which are essential vitamins that the body requires daily. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and promotes healthy skin, while vitamin B6 plays a vital role in brain function and the production of red blood cells. Potassium is needed for healthy cardiovascular function, so consuming potatoes regularly can benefit heart health.
Low in Calories
Despite its reputation as a starchy food, potatoes are surprisingly low in calories. One medium-sized potato provides only 110 calories, so incorporating them into your diet can help aid in weight management.
Potatoes are a Complex Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates play an important role in the body. They provide energy to cells, the brain and certain parts of the kidney.
Potatoes are a complex carbohydrate, which means they take longer for your body to digest and provide a stable source of energy. Complex carbohydrates are a healthier choice than simple carbs when it comes to your diet as simple carbs are composed of sugars that break down faster in your system and are found in foods high in sugar.
Many today talk about restricting carbohydrates in diets. But doing so isn’t healthy. Truth be told, not consuming enough carbohydrates forces bodies into the process of “gluconeogenesis,” or the process of “making new glucose.” In other words, when you don’t consume enough carbohydrates, your body makes them from “dietary sources of protein and body proteins such as muscle and vital organs” (https://potatogoodness.com/nutrition/). Therefore, “while the body can survive without carbohydrates, it does so at the expense of the body’s protein pool” and doesn’t function at an optimal level as a result.
Helps Fuel Your Workouts
As a complex carbohydrate, potatoes also provide energy to fuel your workouts. It serves as an excellent pre-workout meal that helps nourish your body before, during, and after exercising. It’s also good to eat them post exercise to help your body recover.
The nutritional benefits of potatoes are many, making them an essential part of any healthy diet. Include them as a nutritious side dish, add them to soups and stews, or puree them. When you incorporate potatoes into your diet and prepare them in healthy ways, you can reap the numerous benefits they provide. To learn more about the nutrition and health benefits of Wisconsin potatoes, visit our Nutrition and Health page.
