Why Irish Potato Is The Ideal Food For Body Well-Being

The white or Irish potato, also called the ‘earth apple’, is an important food staple and the number one vegetable crop in the world. Potatoes are available year-round, as they are harvested somewhere every month of the year.

Potatoes belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade family, whose other members, include tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and tomatillos. They are a very good source of vitamin B6, potassium, copper, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber and pantothenic acid. They also contain a variety of phytonutrients.

Consuming Irish potato, especially, when boiled or steamed, offers significant protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer due to its high fiber and vitamin B6 content.

UK scientists at the Institute for Food Research have identified blood pressure-lowering compounds called kukoamines in potatoes.

Apart from lowering elevated blood pressure consuming Irish potato helps in proper brain functioning, due to its high vitamin B6 content. Irish potatoes, if not fried, are reasonably low in calories makes an ideal food for obese to aid in weight reduction.
Malnourished children and adult can benefit from Irish potato consumption, as it provides all the essential nutrients that are needed to nourish and maintain the body. They have alkalizing property (alkalize the blood and urine) and aid in the elimination of toxic acid which when accumulated overtime could result to kidney stones, excess uric acid, uric arthritis and metabolic acidosis. Intake of Irish potato also helps purify the blood. It is advised to boil or steam potatoes as fried and even baked potatoes are loaded with fats, which are a potential contributor to a heart attack.

Photo Credit: Irish Central