Are you curious about the health benefits of potatoes? If so, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the many benefits of introducing potatoes into your alkaline diet and how they can benefit your health overall. We’ll discuss the various types of potatoes, their nutritional value, and the various ways in which they can help improve your health. From reducing the risk of heart disease to improving your cognitive function, potatoes have it all.
So, whether you’re looking to get creative with snacks or a healthy dinner meal, potatoes are sure to be a hit with your taste buds and your health!
Physical Description
Potatoes are typically small in size, with smooth skin and a mealy texture. Potatoes are usually colored in various shades of green, yellow, and red. You can use potatoes in many dishes, ranging from soups and stews to roasted veggies and chips.
In addition to their appearance, potatoes are commonly used for their nutritional value and you can serve them as a side dish or snack. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, from boiling to roasting to frying to mashing. Potatoes make life much easier in the kitchen, as you can either boil, roast, fry, or even mash them. Their flavor can range from mild and tender to spicy and complex, depending on the variety and how they are prepared, making it easy for you to introduce the perfect taste to any type of meal.
History and Production
Did you know that potatoes are one of the world’s most prolific crop species, with an estimated global production of over 100 million tons per year?
Potatoes are believed to have originated in South America. The first potatoes were likely grown around the Andes Mountains and were distributed by Native Americans. Potatoes were first introduced to Europe in the late 1500s, where they became a popular staple food.
Potatoes are a starchy tuberous crop grown worldwide. Potatoes have been used by the indigenous people of Peru who grew them as a food source. The Inca Empire is also known to have had a strong dependence on potatoes; they were grown as part of their agricultural system and used in a variety of dishes.
Historical uses of potatoes for health are varied and extensive. The potato has been used as food, medicine, fuel, and even currency. Furthermore, potatoes have been used since the 1700s to make Vodka. This however did not last long as most vodka brands are now made from cereal grains, corn, sugar cane, fruits, and maple sap.
What is the Ph scale?
Although potatoes are mildly acidic and donβt really rank that high up on the Ph scale it is still alkalizing due to how your body chemistry will benefit from it. This also depends on the measure of your bodyβs potential renal acid load.
Potatoes are considered to be an alkaline food because they contain high levels of vitamins C and B6, and rank high on the Ph scale. These vitamins help to maintain a balanced pH level in the body by converting food into energy. The pH level of potatoes can range anywhere from 5.4 to 5.9 depending on the variety and how they were grown. This makes sense considering that different varieties of potatoes contain different amounts of soil and nutrients, which can affect their pH levels.
Nutritional Facts About Potatoes
Did you know that potatoes are one of the world’s most versatile and nutritious foods? Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and minerals such as iron and potassium. A medium-sized potato contains over 100% of the daily recommended value of several important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, vitamin E, and vitamin I.
Below you can find information on just some of the most important nutritional facts about potatoes.
- Energy β 313kj
- Protein β 2.2g
- Sugar β 0.3g
- Fat β 0.1g
- Calories β 77 calories
- Sodium β 3g
- Potassium β 484g
- Carbohydrates β 15.4g
- Dietary Fiber β 2.2g
- Vitamin C β 19.7g
- Calcium β 12mg
- Iron β 3.2mg
- Magnesium β 23mg
- Vitamin B6 β 0.3mg
Benefits of Potatoes
In an alkaline diet, potatoes are one of the foods you will want to include, as they are high in potassium and a good source of carbohydrates. Potatoes are also high in fiber, which can help you with regularity and digestive health. However, it’s important to note that a diet high in potatoes may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension. It’s also important to balance your potatoes with other healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to ensure optimal nutrition. Overall, potatoes are a nutritious and delicious addition to an alkaline diet!
List Benefits of Potatoes
- Among the most beneficial advantages of introducing potatoes into your alkaline diet, the following points stand out.
- Potatoes contain high levels of potassium, a mineral that helps maintain a balanced acid-alkaline pH in your body.
- Rich in vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and helps protect you against cellular damage.
- Potatoes are high in carbohydrates, which provide you with energy and help maintain a healthy metabolism.
- Potatoes contain fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and maintain a healthy weight.
- Cooking potatoes can cause them to release starch and sugar, which provide several health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Potato Recipes
Potato and Feta Bakea
Potato and feta bake is the perfect meal for those following an alkaline diet and wanting to add a dairy product which is acceptable in moderation.
Ingredients
- 4 baking potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin wedges
- 1 cup vegan feta cheese, crumbled (see note)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
Directions
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. In a colander set over a bowl, drain and rinse the potatoes. Place the washed potatoes in a large bowl and pour in enough water to cover them. Let the potatoes soak for 10 minutes, then drain again. Put the feta cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and vegetable broth or water into a medium-sized bowl and mix well until combined. Pour half of this mixture over the top of each potato wedge in the baking dish.
Vegan Potato Roast Recipe
This vegan roast potato recipe is perfect for serving at your next dinner party or family get-together. It features fluffy, buttery baked potatoes topped with flavorful and healthy ingredients.
ingredients
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- juice of 1 lime (or 2 tablespoons vinegar)
Directions
Mix the potatoes, red onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the lime juice OR vinegar until desired dressing consistency is reached.
Conclusion
Potatoes are the perfect starch food to add to an alkaline diet due to their varied nutrient base, vitamins, and fiber. With an acceptable ph level for alkaline diets, you can easily start experimenting with this versatile vegetable in either dinners, breakfast, lunch, or even snacks. Try any healthy potato recipe today and experience what your alkaline diet has been missing.
I’m a freelance health and fitness writer. I love sharing my own experiences in nutrition and wellness. I have been training and eating healthy for more than 15 years, so I have a lot of valuable information to share.