How Healthy Are Potatoes?

If you’re searching for ways to improve the way your older family member eats, you may be happy to hear that potatoes are no longer on the “don’t eat” list. In the past, the potato was maligned as a “no-no” food that was believed to cause weight gain. It was one of those white foods that people seeking to control their weight were told not to eat. That’s unfortunate, because potatoes are inexpensive, filling, and versatile. However, the truth about potatoes is that they are loaded with health benefits.

Highly Nutritious

Your average white potato contains a long list of the vitamins and minerals your aging relative needs to stay healthy. First of all, a single medium white potato contains a third of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and more potassium than is found in a banana. Some of the other nutrients in a potato are:

Protein: 4.3 grams.
Fiber: 3.8 grams.
Vitamin B6: 27% of RDA.
Manganese: 19% of RDA.
Folate: 12% of RDA.

And all this for just 161 calories!

Lower Blood Pressure

Because of their potassium content, potatoes can help to lower blood pressure. Potassium helps blood vessels to dilate, letting blood flow through more easily. Adults need 4,700 milligrams of potassium daily as part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, less than 2 percent of Americans get enough potassium daily.

Good for Blood Sugar Control

Potatoes contain resistant starch, which is harder for the body to break down. Because it doesn’t completely break down, potato feeds the good bacteria in the lower intestine. The way that the body digests potatoes helps with insulin resistance, which is useful in managing blood sugar levels.

Gluten-Free

If your aging relative’s doctor has recommended a gluten-free diet, potatoes are an excellent choice. They are naturally gluten-free. Potatoes can be prepared in many different ways, so they can be used as side dishes and in main dishes. They can also be used in every meal of the day. However, it’s important to consider how the potatoes are prepared as that can add calories, gluten, and unhealthy fats.

In addition to adding more potatoes to your aging relative’s diet, you can also improve the way they eat by hiring senior care. Senior care providers can plan and prepare nutritious meals that include potatoes and lots of other healthy ingredients. Senior care providers can also make meals a less lonely time of the day by sitting and chatting with the older adult while they eat.

Sources
https://blogs.webmd.com/food-fitness/20191205/potatoes-are-making-a-comeback
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280579.php
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-potatoes

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Care Street Home Care Staff

Care Street Home Health Care LLC is a division of Ocean Healthcare, a network of New Jersey-based healthcare centers and services founded in 1973 by Melvin and Debbie Feigenbaum. Melvin and Debbie both came from warm, close-knit backgrounds that emphasize the centrality of family. The values of respect, responsibility, and dignity run deep in the Feigenbaum family; they share a strong sensitivity to the importance of caring for others, particularly the elderly and disabled.

The Care Street mission is straightforward and compelling: to provide a comprehensive range of the highest quality home health services in a professional and efficient manner that will enhance our clients' quality of life and empower families to keep their loved one at home.

Care Street has earned a reputation of excellence among hundreds of families, and is recommended by medical professionals and hospital discharge planners throughout the State.

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