Potato is rich in carbohydrates as it contains starch in high quantity and this is one of the most grown food crop in the world. There are more than five thousand varieties of potatoes. It is essential component in most of the cuisines that adds taste too. Potatoes are very sensitive to weather so during summer or in hot season it needs to be stored in cold warehouses. Wide consumption of potato is evident from the report that highlights that annually a person consumes about 33 kg of potato, and about two third of its production is eaten by humans and rest either goes for starch production or consumed by animals. Vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals are also present in potatoes. Nutrient beard by potato are affected with the way it is cooked, thus it must be cooked at mild heat.
With numerous benefits potatoes should be eaten with great care as it also contains toxic compounds such as solanine and chaconine and these could impair the nervous system, causing weakness and confusion. These compounds are generally there to guard potato from outside threats like predators. Another compound named glycoalkaloids may cause other health problems such as headache, diarrhea, cramps and in some cases leads to coma and death.
Nutritional value of potato per 100 grams:
- Fat 0.05g
- Energy 360kj
- Protein 1.6g
- Water 77g
- Fiber 3g
- Sugar 4.18g
- Calcium 30g
- Other minerals and vitamins 467mg
0 comments:
Post a Comment