According to Victoria Jarzabkowski, a nutritionist with the Fitness Institute of Texas at the University of Texas, potatoes assist in lowering blood pressure for quite a few reasons. First of all, they contain quite a decent amount of potassium, which has been proven to lower blood pressure. They also contain kukoamines, which are complex chemicals that are also associated with lowering blood pressure. What's more, Jarzabkowski claims that the vast amount of fiber found in potatoes binds with cholesterol in the blood, thereby helping to lower harmful cholesterol levels as well.
2. They support brain functioning and nervous system health.
Potatoes are bursting with B6 vitamins, which create plenty of useful brain chemicals, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, which all help to combat stress, depression, and even ADHD. Additionally, the carbohydrates found in potatoes could help enhance memory and learning skills, while the high potassium levels promote the widening of blood vessels, which makes sure that your brain is always supplied with enough blood.
3. They boost your immunity.
Potatoes contain a lot of vitamin C, which helps to prevent a whole range of illnesses from the common cold to scurvy. According to the Washington State Potato Commission, a single medium-sized baked potato contains approximately 45% of an adult's recommended daily vitamin C intake.
Due to their high carbohydrate content, one of the greatest health benefits that potatoes provide us with is their ability to make digesting our food a whole lot easier. Additionally, the high fiber content found in a potato's skin also helps you to avoid constipation by keeping you regular.
5. They help keep your heart healthy.
Consuming potatoes gives your heart plenty of things to smile about. The high fiber content helps to clear up any cholesterol which may be clogging up your blood vessels, while carotenoids help maintain regular heart functioning. The vitamin B6 that it contains also helps to get rid of nasty free radicals, as well as converting the potentially harmful molecule homocysteine into methionine, the presence of which could lead to strokes and heart attacks.
According to Jarzabkowski, potatoes are hugely beneficial to athletic people, as they help to restore the balance of electrolytes. She says that "sodium and potassium, which are found in potato peels, are two important electrolytes, and athletes lose them in sweat." Having enough electrolytes is vital for optimal body function, as having too little can cause cramps and other undesirable side-effects.
7. They keep your skin beautiful.
If you want to keep your skin smooth and soft, then you might want to start consuming more potatoes. Zinc, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C have all been proven to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy, and the best news is that potatoes contain all of these components.
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