Potatoes are one of the most beloved foods in the US, and there are countless ways to enjoy them. But you may be wondering if they’re healthy. Potatoes sometimes get a bad rap for being starch bombs, but they’re actually incredibly good for you. Here’s a primer on potato health benefits, as well as the best ways to prepare the vegetable to maximize its nutritional value.
One medium baked Russet potato with the skin has 129 calories, 4.6 grams of protein, no fat, and 37 grams of carbohydrate with about 4 grams as fiber. The veggie is also loaded with nutrients, including over 30% of the daily value for immune-supporting vitamin C. Plus, it has nearly a third of the daily target for potassium, a mineral that supports nerve, muscle, and heart function, as well as healthy blood pressure. Potatoes also provide B vitamins, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese. Spuds are also rich in antioxidants, including phenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanin compounds, which are found in both the skin and flesh of the potato.
