Potatoes

Potatoes are so tasty and yet so nutritious. This is off course when they are prepared and eaten correctly. “Approximately 100 grams of boiled, fresh potato with its skin provides as much as 354 kilojoules of energy.

The starch in potatoes is digested to glucose in the gut and is absorbed as such. The glucose travels to the liver and from there to all body cells where it is metabolized so that the energy is extracted from it. This glucose is metabolized for use by our muscles as well as our nervous system, thus contributing to both physical and mental performance. “ says PotatoesSA

Nutritional Value

Potatoes are a good source of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. The carbohydrates in a potato are complex, meaning they provide the body with a steady flow of energy for an extended period.

Protein provides the body's main source of growth and tissue repair. Like most proteins of plant origin, potato protein is lacking in essential amino acids. If consumed in combination with animal protein foods like milk it becomes a complete protein food.

This is the food that makes a useful contribution to our daily mineral and vitamin intake. One portion contains many of the B-complex vitamins and up to a third of our daily vitamin C requirement. They are also a rich source of potassium, phosphorous and fluoride and contain small amounts of iron and zinc which are readily absorbed.

Potatoes are a good source of fibre. Fibre is important in preventing diseases like cancer, obesity, diabetes and in maintaining health. The recommended intake of fibre for adults is 20 - 30 g daily. They contain very small amounts of fat, only 0.1 % per 100 g.

Our Potato Tip

Boil your potatoes with skin or bake them without fat. Then cool them before you eat. This is the healthiest way of enjoying them. When cold they have a lower glycaemic index (Low GI).

Source: potatoes.co.za

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