Whether being the star of the show or sharing the limelight with a protein, the potato is often the highlight of the meal. Potatoes actually have many health benefits, even though it’s mostly viewed as a fatty-carb.
Heart Health
The fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 in potatoes all support heart health. Potatoes contain a significant amount of fiber which helps lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Blood Pressure
Potatoes are rich in potassium. Research has found that potatoes have more potassium than bananas and that most of the potassium is found in the potato’s skin. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, potassium is a mineral that helps lower blood pressure.
Athletes
Potatoes are crucial to the diets of athletes. Potatoes help to restore the electrolyte balance through the sodium and potassium that are in the skin of the potatoes. Athletes lose electrolytes when they sweat and the fewer electrolytes in the bodies of athletes, the more chance they have of cramping up, as many athletes know.
