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The Nutrition of Idahoan Potatoes

Potatoes are the most famous and widely produced crop that comes out of the state of Idaho. Idaho potatoes are a fat and cholesterol free vegetable. They also have no sodium and are a healthy source of carbohydrate. One serving size is 5.3 ounces of potatoes and contains 110 calories.

  1. Vitamin C

    • Idaho potatoes provide 27 milligrams of Vitamin C per serving. This is equivalent to to 45 percent of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin C is water soluble, which means that it is easily absorbed by the body. It is considered to be a very powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help the body stabilize and kill free radicals, which are associated with cancer causing agents. The supply of Vitamin C in an Idaho potato will also help in collagen production. Collagen production is essential as it aids in the maintenance of healthy gums, and it helps wounds to heal properly. While potatoes are not the Vitamin C powerhouse that citrus fruits are, they can still help you reach your suggested daily intake of this essential vitamin.

    Potassium

    • Idaho Potatoes have a whooping 620 milligrams of potassium per serving, which is 18 percent of the suggested daily intake. You may think of foods such as bananas and mushrooms when thinking about potassium, but potatoes have more per serving than both. Eating potatoes and other foods that are high in potassium will help to prevent hypertension in your muscles, and it will also keep your risk of stroke down. According to Idahopotato.com, studies performed by the Food and Nutrition Board suggest that a proper potassium intake can help to combat against the problems caused by dietary sodium.

    Vitamin B6

    • Vitamin B6 is another water soluble vitamin that is found in Idaho potatoes. Potatoes provide 10 percent of the daily intake of Vitamin B6. Sufficient amounts of Vitamin B6 are often lacking from the diets of certain groups like women, and consumption of potatoes could help to solve this problem. This vitamin plays an essential role in the metabolism, or breaking down, of protein and carbohydrates, and helps the body to produce nonessential amino acids that are needed to produce certain types of protein. According to Idahopotato.com, Vitamin B6 also helps to produce hemoglobin, which is essential to red blood cells.

    Fiber

    • The skin of Idaho potatoes provides the body with two grams, or eight percent, of the recommended daily intake of fiber. Fiber is a complex carbohydrate and cannot be digested and absorbed in the bloodstream. The fiber contained in potatoes can help to improve blood lipid levels, regulate blood glucose and can also help one feel full from an appropriate amount of food. This can also help to control weight loss.

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