International Potato Day: How healthy is it for the body?

International Potato Day is celebrated every May 30th, Following an initiative promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the celebration aims to recognize the importance of this staple food, both in the global diet and in the global economy and culture.

This day was established just a couple of years ago, in 2023, after several decades of promoting native crops, which are an essential part of food sovereignty and global nutrition. May 30th was chosen as the date to commemorate this food. thanks to a global consensus to highlight the important role of the tuber in eradicating hunger.

This day also pays tribute to the indigenous peoples of South America , especially the Andean region, who domesticated the potato more than 8,000 years ago. To this day, There are records of around 4,000 native varieties of potatoes. , being one of the crops with the greatest genetic diversity in the world.

What are its benefits?

In many countries around the world this tuber is part of the basic diet , since, in addition to its benefits, It is an extremely versatile ingredient and can be used in both fast food and junk food, as well as in very nutritious and balanced dishes.

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Some of its benefits are:

Reduces blood pressure

Potatoes are rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps eliminate sodium through urine and maintain electrolyte balance. They also contain no cholesterol, so It is a fairly healthy option for people with heart problems.

This tuber contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system , and B6, an important vitamin for metabolism and the nervous system.

Besides, This food provides energy due to its carbohydrate content. For its part, the fiber it contains helps maintain satiety, aiding digestion and promoting weight control.

It also contains minerals such as zinc, calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone health and proper body function.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Potatoes can help reduce inflammation in the body, making them a convenient food for people with arthritis and rheumatism.

It contains more than 10% of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, helping to prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

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It is important to remember that It all depends on the way in which this food is cooked You can't get the same amount of nutrients from fried vegetables as you can from prepared salads. The advantage is that, as mentioned above, they're quite versatile, so all it takes is a little experimentation to create nutritious and delicious dishes.