Potatoes are a staple food throughout the world for many centuries. Many societies have relied upon these root veggies to provide the majority of their nutritional requirements for many centuries.
Potatoes not only make a satisfying snack but are also easy to grow. Some people avoid potatoes due to the increasing popularity of low-carb diets. Baked potato are high in nutrients and can be included in a healthy diet.
Health Benefits
Despite the current trend of low-carb eating, there are many good reasons to eat potatoes.
Reduces Inflammation
Baked potatoes have a lot of choline. Recent research suggests that choline insufficient may partly be to blame for inflammatory illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis. Baking potatoes can increase the levels of choline within your body and reduce inflammation.
Digestion
Baked potatoes have a high fiber content, which aids digestion. A high-fiber diet can help both diarrhea and constipation. Baking potatoes is a good choice for those suffering from conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Baked potatoes contain fiber, which aids in digestion. VitaminB6 also helps to break down carbohydrates and improve metabolism. This combination can make it easy to lose weight or manage weight.
Heart Health
Nearly a third of Americans have high levels of cholesterol. This puts the person at risk for developing heart disease and stroke. Baked potatoes can be low in cholesterol and fat. They are also high in potassium, which research has shown can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Baked Potatoes Are High-Fiber
There are 4g of dietary fiber in a medium-sized potato. Fiber aids in heart health and balances blood cholesterol. It feeds beneficial bacteria, slows sugar absorption, and helps remove toxins from the body by bulking out stool. Fiber contributes to feelings of satiety by taking up space inside the stomach or intestines.
How to Bake Potatoes?
You must wash the potatoes well before making baked potatoes. While the skins of potatoes are the most nutritious part, you must clean them thoroughly before you can eat them. The potato skin can be cleaned thoroughly to remove any chemicals or fertilizers it may have had while being grown.
There are two main ways that you can bake potatoes: in the oven, or in a microwave.
Rub the potatoes with olive oil, seasoning, and salt to make baked potatoes. Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes to an hour at 425 F.
Baked potatoes can be cooked in the microwave by using a fork to poke holes into the potato. Place the potato onto a plate. Microwave for 5 minutes. Flip the potato, and cook for 5 additional minutes. Continue this until the potato is cooked to your satisfaction.
Poke your potatoes with a fork. When the fork sticks easily to your potatoes, your baked potato is done.
Baked potatoes can either be served as side dishes or as main courses. Here are some other ideas for baking potatoes
- Add turkey chili to the mix
- Top the dish with your favorite vegetables, and add a little cheese.
- It can be used as a side dish to rice
- Try eating French fries with a little ketchup.
