The potato is rather complete as a food, which provides high quality carbohydrates and proteins.It is only deficient in the following nutrients:Fats,provitamin A,vitamin E and vitaminB12.Everything else is well presented.

Proteins:Potatoes are a good source of proteins.The proteins in potatoes have the following characteristics:
They are of high biological value,providing all the amino acids required by the body in an adequate proportion to foster growth.
The proteins in potatoes are rich in lysine,an amino acid that is deficient in grains.From this point of view,potatoes are suitably combined with grains(particularly maize).

Minerals:Potatoes are noted for their richness in Potassium and their low sodium content,which makes them very appropriate for those suffering with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.They are poor in calcium,but rather rich in iron,phosphorus and magnesium,as well as zinc,copper,manganese and other trace elements.

Vegetable Fibre:Potatoes contain about 1.6% soluble vegetable fibre

Carbohydrates: Potato contains 16.4%,most of which comprising of starch.A small ratio occurs in the form of glucose.The starch in the potatoes digests easily and does not produce flactulence.

Vitamins:They are a good source of vitamin C,although some of this vitamin is lost during the cooking process.The least amount of vitamin C is lost when the potatoes are steamed;the most when they are fried.Potatoes contain almost no provitamin A or vitamin E.On the other hand they are quite rich in B complex vitamins particularly B1 and B6.

As a food,the potato is very useful in a variety of disorders and diseases.Among these are:

Cardiovascular disease:Because they are low in fats and sodium, they are ideal in cases of arteriosclerosis,heart failure and hypertension.

Kidney disease:Potatoes alkalize the blood and urine,assisting in the elimination of toxic acids.Hence they relieve the kidneys’ work and purify the blood.

Stomach disorders:
• Antacid effect:They are a relatively alkaline food able to neutralize excess acid.This alkalizing action is experienced locally in the stomach as well as in the blood and urine.
• Physical consistency:Its soft texture minify the need for digestive effort in the stomach and provides relative rest

Obesity:Potatoes alone do not cause obesity.On the contrary they prevent it in that:
• They create a sense of satiety that reduces the desire to keep eating.
• They contain an abundance of B group vitamins that help metabolize carbohydrates,as well as minerals that prevent fluid retention in the tissues,which contributes to obesity.

Diebetes:Potatoes contain complex carbohydrated(starch)that slowly converts into glucose during digestion in the intestine.Thus they do not cause abrupt changes in blood glucose level(as happens with simple sugars),and are rather well tolerated by diabetics

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