Potatoes. Types of potatoes and benefits

The potato is a vegetable with a high content of nutrients and is one of the best known vegetables in the globe. The potato ranks in 4th place after popularity, being without rice, wheat and corn. Today there are several hundred varieties of potato varieties. They vary in size, shape, color, smell and starch content.

For commercial purposes, the potato is grown in Russia, Poland, India, China, the United States and many other countries. So we surely eaten this vegetable at least once and we know what flavor you or in which preparations you meet more often.

However, many of us are still wondering what benefits have the potato, how many varieties there are and what is the best for consumption or even in which areas the potato can be used. Today we decided to speak in more detail of this vegetables and invite you to read the information below.

Types of potatoes

When we want to buy potatoes, we recommend choosing according to the food we want to prepare. Maybe you wonder why you have to do this or the potato is not all potato? Well, here is a very important detail here.

Specialists tell us about different types of potatoes. For example, starch rich varieties are considered ideal for potato puree. These tubers are rapidly cooked, transforming into a soft puree. For soups, it is important to choose varieties with a low starch content. They will not cook too much and will not ruin the appearance and taste of the soup. If you intend to cook fried potatoes, all attention is on the varieties in which the starch does not decompose in sugar, so that the finished potato maintains its shape.

White potatoes

The white potato is known because it has a low sugar content and is less sweet. If we talk about consistency, it is a slightly dense, creamy and delicate coating. It is much more suitable for boil, as it maintains its shape more and does not quickly transform into a puree.

Red potatoes

As a composition, most of the potato species are similar. However, the red potato is preferable because the starch contained by it is more resistant to thermal preparation and the release of glucose in the digestive tract is slower. The red potatoes are excellent in stews, salads, brodes.

Sweet potatoes

This variety is characterized by a high content of glucose and beta-carotene. For this reason, their meat has a yellow or even orange shade. The root itself is very juicy. Some compare the taste of the sweet potato with pineapple, carrot, banana, pumpkin and even chestnuts. As for the content of vitamins and minerals, a sweet potato offers the body 120% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin A, 30% of vitamin C, 13% potassium and 4% of calcium and iron each. In smaller quantities there are also vitamins and, B5 and B6.

Purple potatoes

The best for consumption is considered a purple potato. The purple color of this type of potato is given by the large amount of anthocyanins, a class of antioxidants. Viola potatoes are rich in vitamins and nutrients: vitamin C, iron, calcium or potassium. They are also a source of protein, fiber, but also carbohydrates.

Potato benefits

Although we meet the potato in fast food, we must know that this vegetable also has benefits for the body and, if we consume in the right form, we can only enjoy.

Here are some of the benefits of the potato

1. Benefits for the heart – The potato represents an important source of carbohydrates, vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium. We must note that potassium is a mineral that plays an important role in the optimal function of the heart and the nervous system.
2. Bone health – phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium contribute to the creation and maintenance of the health of the bones. Iron and zinc play a fundamental role in the production of collagen, which is important for the joints and cartilage. And phosphorus and calcium are indispensable components of optimal bone mineralization.
3. Anti -inflammatory effect – The potatoes contain a substance called choline, which has an anti -inflammatory effect. It is important to maintain healthy sleep, improve memory, improve learning skills and strengthen muscles. The choline affects the structure of the cell membranes, promotes the transmission of nerve impulses, the metabolism of fats and is also important in the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammation.