My husband grew up on a farm in Idaho and since being married to him, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to write about potatoes.  Usually when looking at fruits and vegetables, it is easy for the average nutrition-conscious shopper to associate certain colors of vegetables with a higher level of nutritional value.  For example, the luscious green color of broccoli, the golden yellow of sweet corn, or the succulent reds of berries. Potatoes don’t necessarily fall into this category and consequently are overlooked being thought of as less nutritious than other vegetables.

One medium potato contains 163 calories.  It also contains 25% of the recommended daily value of potassium, 0.2 grams of fat, 0 grams of cholesterol, 37 grams of carbohydrates, 18% dietary fiber, and 8% protein. It also has 12% magnesium, 30% vitamin B-6, and 70% vitamin C.

There are more nutritional benefits than what you think in potatoes! The phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc in potatoes may aid in building and maintaining bones.  Furthermore, the potassium, calcium, and magnesium have been found to decrease blood pressure, and again all these nutrients are found in potatoes. Potatoes may also help maintain a healthy heart with the potassium, vitamin C, fiber, vitamin b-6 it contains and with its lack of cholesterol.  The fiber also helps in preventing constipation and increasing satiety. This increase in satiety can help one to manage weight and decrease overall calories. There are many benefits of eating potatoes and they are a great side to any meal!