Nutritional Value of a Potato – When people think of potatoes, most will either think of French fries or baked with cheese and bacon on top as preparation methods. There may be other methods, but those are typically what comes to mind first when thinking of how you could enjoy eating one.
However, potatoes contain much more nutrition than meets the eye – particularly when it comes to their nutritional content. But exactly how much nutrition are there in potatoes compared to other foods and whether or not they offer special dietary advantages? Keep reading to discover what makes these tubers stand out among common vegetables!
Nutritional Value Of A Potato
1) Calories In A Potato
When considering the nutritional value of food, calories are always an essential element to consider as they determine the amount of energy the food provides to our bodies. In terms of calories content, potatoes provide a moderate amount of energy for energy use in your body.
A medium-sized potato weighing around 150 grams (5.3 ounces) provides approximately 95 calories. This amount corresponds to that contained in half a cup of cooked broccoli or an apple. Potato is naturally gluten-free unlike many other common vegetables like broccoli and can therefore be enjoyed by those on gluten-free diets.
2) Fats In Potatoes
Calories alone cannot provide an accurate assessment of a food’s nutritional value; you also must consider fats found within, which can have an enormous effect on health. Fortunately, potatoes don’t boast an excessively high-fat content – one medium potato contains just 2 grams of fat which represents just under 10% of an adult’s recommended daily intake (RDI).
Most of the fat found in potatoes is monounsaturated fat, considered to be “good fats.” Though potatoes tend to have relatively low-fat contents, it’s important to remember that fat can also be found in other sources.
3) Protei In Potatoes
Potatoes Contain a Fair Amount of Protein Though potatoes are low-fat foods, they still pack an impressively high protein content compared with their fat and caloric intake; one medium potato provides approximately 4 grams, or 16% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI). When compared with other common vegetables like broccoli or spinach though, potatoes’ protein levels pale considerably in comparison – these plants often boast twice the amount.
Protein in Potatoes It is important to remember that potatoes aren’t one of the top sources of plant-based protein. Beans and quinoa offer more, with approximately 10 potatoes being required to get as much as one cup of beans!
4) Carbohydrates In Potatoes
As part of an overall nutritional value analysis, carbohydrates should also be taken into consideration. Not all carbs are created equal: potatoes contain more than 25% of the Recommended Dietary Intake per single serving – reflecting its starchy nature and making up approximately 25% of RDI per potato serving. But not all types of carbohydrates are created equal: potatoes are considered “high glycemic index” foods like other starchy foods are.
Potatoes Are High in Carbohydrates That means it contains carbohydrates that can quickly be broken down and released as sugar into your bloodstream, known as digestible-GI foods. They’re generally not considered healthy sources of carbohydrates. Furthermore, potatoes contain naturally high levels of sodium; each serving provides about 10% of your RDI.
5) Fiber In Potatoes
Fiber in Potatoes One essential factor when considering the nutritional value of foods is fiber content. Fiber is an integral component of healthy diets and has been linked with lower rates of numerous serious diseases. Potatoes provide some fiber; one serving provides approximately three percent of your RDI; however, in order to be considered “high in fiber”, food should contain at least 10 percent or more.
Potatoes do not provide enough dietary fiber to be considered an ideal source. As with carbohydrates, their source primarily lies within starch. While eating them does offer some small amount of dietary fiber content, these starchy vegetables shouldn’t be relied upon as an abundant source of essential nutrients.
6) Minerals In Potatoes
Another factor when considering the nutritional value of foods is how many minerals it contains. Minerals are substances naturally present in soil and water that play important roles for human health; in particular, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc all need regular replenishment for optimal functioning of our bodies. One serving of potatoes supplies approximately 10% of your recommended Daily Intake (RDI).
Potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals, with some servings even providing up to 14% of their Recommended Daily Intake per serving of sodium – though this may seem high, take into account that potatoes naturally contain salt which should cause this amount of sodium per serving to be present in abundance.
Also Refer :- Best 3 Nutrition Facts of Tomato
Conclusion
Overall, potatoes are an excellent source of many essential nutrients. In particular, they’re an excellent way to get iron, zinc and potassium — key elements to combatting deficiencies. Furthermore, potatoes are relatively affordable food that lasts when stored properly; making it convenient choice. Finally, potatoes offer low fat, high-carb calories with moderate levels of protein, fiber and minerals for many individuals.
Potatoes can be an excellent addition to a balanced diet, as they’re high in sodium but still packed full of nutrition! No matter how you enjoy them – baked, mashed or roasted! You can rest easy knowing that each potato you enjoy gives you an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals!
