If potatoes aren’t on your list of staples, you’re truly missing out. It’s National Potato Day, and these delicious spuds deserve all the praise and glory. While potatoes have been criticized for their carb content, this is a misled analysis. In fact, potatoes provide a host of health benefits. Not only do they come in an abundance of varieties, they’re also rich with important nutrients any health enthusiast would rave over.

Keep reading to learn more about the amazing health benefits potatoes provide.

Satiety and Weight Management

Do you feel like you’re in a constant state of hunger? This is a common struggle for those trying to lose weight. A common reason for this might be a lack of satiety. Those who don’t eat until they’re full are more likely to eat more frequently. Thanks to the fiber in potatoes, they are marked as one of the foods with the highest satiety index. Fiber keeps you full for longer, and studies link diets high in fiber to weight loss and dietary adherence.

Gluten Free

While gluten isn’t considered good or bad, a gluten free diet can dramatically improve your health for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Gluten has been reported for side effects like brain fog, bloating, and fatigue, all things most of us want to avoid. You might be surprised to hear the beloved potato is gluten free. If you’re someone who follows a gluten free diet or attempts to consume it as little as possible, potatoes are a happy gluten-free substitute.

Vitamins and Minerals

Potatoes have an impressive list vitamins and minerals, which are linked to a long list of health benefits. These include reduced rick of heart disease, better digestion, and improved blood sugar. 

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B6 
• Potassium
• Folate
• Fiber
• Zinc
• Iron

Antioxidants

 Antioxidants are compounds known for reducing the risk of disease, illness, and cancer. Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, with roughly 45% of the daily value in one medium potato. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with links to protecting against cancer, and it’s also an essential nutrient for various biochemical and physiological processes of the body. 

Anti-Aging Properties

Potatoes are full of surprises – one being the benefits it can provide for your skin. The properties of zinc, iron, and vitamin C found in potatoes also play an important role in the production of collagen. Collagen is an important protein essential for healthy skin. To make things more interesting, you can eat them or apply them to the skin directly. Either way, the potato could be your skin’s best friend.

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles*
• Removes dead skin cells*
• Natural skin lightening agent*
• Soothes inflamed skin cells*

Conclusion

The potato provides benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. These starchy spuds are versatile, affordable, and full of ingredients your body will thank you for. If they aren’t already, they’ll make a great addition to your diet.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.