Probably the most eaten vegetable throughout the year in India, potatoes are packed with nutritional value and health benefits
Put them in a plate of biryani or stuff inside a paratha; potatoes are so versatile that they are part of almost every Indian dish. Not to forget, potatoes have several health benefits because they are super rich in nutrients. Do you know that this staple vegetable in every Indian household was not traditionally ours but was introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century? Nonetheless, we love potatoes, so let us dive into their nutritional values.
If 100 grams of potatoes are boiled with the skin and without salt, it provides:
Potatoes also contain several minerals and vitamins, such as potassium, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B6. Furthermore, other plant compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, catechin, lutein, and glycoalkaloids, are also found.
Promotes a healthy heart: Hypertension is caused by high blood pressure, which leads to different types of health diseases. Given that potatoes contain plant compounds that reduce blood pressure, they are good for the heart. In fact, the potassium found in potatoes is particularly responsible for bringing down blood pressure.
Manages your weight: Given potatoes are carb-rich food, they offer a feeling of fullness after meals. Doing so reduces your food and calorie intake and thus helps you manage your weight. Not to forget, multiple studies suggest that proteinase inhibitor 2 (PI2), a type of protein in potatoes, may suppress appetite.
While potatoes generally are suitable for the heart, they have been regularly blamed for cardiovascular disease and obesity. Potatoes contain acrylamides, which increase when cooked at a high temperature, such as frying, baking, or roasting. Given that French fries and chips are heavily consumed these days alongside burgers, cutlets, and other dishes, it is high time we said no to these two fast foods.
French fries are associated with anxiety according to a recent study.
— Paul Saladino, MD (@paulsaladinomd) July 10, 2023
And this makes sense. Consuming seed oils that have been heated at high temperature can absolutely cause brain inflammation.
If you needed another reason to avoid french fries, here you go… pic.twitter.com/JObyiwgGr1
Credit – X/@paulsaladinomd
AlooPoshto: A classic Bengali dish, alooposhto means potatoes in a curry of poppy seeds. Temper green chillies and nigella seeds in mustard oil; add medium-boiled potatoes in the oil and saute for 5-10 minutes. Once done, add a paste of poppy seeds. To balance the taste, add both salt and sugar to your liking, and there you have it, a classic Bengali dish.
Credit- Instagram/@ homechefalison
SadaAloo’rTorkari: Another Bengali dish, sadaaloo’rtorkar means white potato curry. In a pressure cooker, put some and temper nigella seeds along with dried chillies. Add potato to the pressure cooker and cook with salt and asafoetida. One can also temper cumin seeds if one likes. Close the lid and cook the curry. Sadaaloo’rtorkari is done and ready to be served with hot puris.
AlooParatha: Eaten for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner, alooparathas are one of the most common dishes in the northern part of India. Mashed potatoes with spice are filled in parathas and are served with curd.
Potatoes are often considered the heart of Indian cuisine, and they are likely to remain a part of our kitchen for decades to come, given their versatility, nutrients, and health benefits.
