By: Ikemefuna Favour Ofunne
Every time of the year, whether boiled or fried, every household on the Plateau and around the country feasts on the crunchy nutritious and deliciousness of the Solanum tuberosum, popularly known as the Irish Potato.
Irish potatoes are native to the Andes Mountains of South America. They are called Irish potatoes because the potato was first brought to Europe in the 1500s and developed as a crop there. They are usually small, round, and have really thin skin. Irish potato can be white, yellow, or red and is cultivated all year round.
Irish potato is popular across Nigeria and is cultivated in Plateau, Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina states.
Potatoes contain very essential nutrients like Iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and zinc which enable build and maintain bone structure.
phosphorus and calcium are both important in bone structure, but it is essential to balance the two minerals for proper bone mineralization. Too much phosphorus and too little calcium result in bone loss and contribute to osteoporosis.
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), fewer than 2 percent of American adults meet the daily 4,700-milligram recommendation. A low sodium intake is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure, but increasing potassium intake may be just as important. Potassium encourages vasodilation, or the widening of the blood vessels. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are all present in the potato. These have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally.
The potato’s fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. Potatoes contain significant amounts of fiber. Fiber helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Studies have linked potatoes and their nutrients to a variety of impressive health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, reduced heart disease risk, and higher immunity. They may also improve digestive health and combat signs of aging.
All in all, potatoes are a great addition to your diet in moderation. They are also naturally gluten-free, which means they can be enjoyed by almost everyone.
Photo Credit: Damilola Adebowale
