yeahright
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Potatoes pack a powerful punch
Fort Worth Star Telegram
03-23-07
Potatoes are one of those a ha! vegetables.
Asked to name a fruit or vegetable high in potassium, most people instinctively choose the banana. But a baked potato has 610 milligrams per serving, versus 422 milligrams for a medium-size banana.
The government recently upped the recommended daily intake of potassium for adults from 3,500 to 4,700 milligrams because a diet low in potassium and high in sodium is a major contributor to high blood pressure and stroke.
Another a ha! moment: A potato the size of a computer mouse also supplies 45 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.
Although potato sales plummeted during the Atkins diet craze, the tubers are loaded with positive attributes. They're low in calories, high in minerals and a good source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, iron, niacin and vitamin B6. They're also economical and easy to prepare.
The only downside is that it's tempting to serve them with fatty and caloric toppings. Choose wisely.
Of course, one question remains: Do you have to eat the skin to get the health benefits? It's your call, but the skin is rich in fiber and iron, as well as caffeic and ferulic acids that may help destroy harmful carcinogens in the body.
Fort Worth Star Telegram
03-23-07
Potatoes are one of those a ha! vegetables.
Asked to name a fruit or vegetable high in potassium, most people instinctively choose the banana. But a baked potato has 610 milligrams per serving, versus 422 milligrams for a medium-size banana.
The government recently upped the recommended daily intake of potassium for adults from 3,500 to 4,700 milligrams because a diet low in potassium and high in sodium is a major contributor to high blood pressure and stroke.
Another a ha! moment: A potato the size of a computer mouse also supplies 45 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.
Although potato sales plummeted during the Atkins diet craze, the tubers are loaded with positive attributes. They're low in calories, high in minerals and a good source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, iron, niacin and vitamin B6. They're also economical and easy to prepare.
The only downside is that it's tempting to serve them with fatty and caloric toppings. Choose wisely.
Of course, one question remains: Do you have to eat the skin to get the health benefits? It's your call, but the skin is rich in fiber and iron, as well as caffeic and ferulic acids that may help destroy harmful carcinogens in the body.
Old saying but true.