5 reasons Irish potatoes are good for your health

Irish potato is one of the many varieties of potato, from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum.
This little vegetable is full of vitamins and minerals, such as carotenoids and natural phenols, potassium, vitamin B6 and trace amounts of thiamine, riboflavin, foliate, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, fibre and zinc.

Here are five reasons why this food should be part of your daily diet.

1. Aids digestion
   The high levels of dietary fibre present in Irish potatoes make digestion easy with improved and regular bowel movements while giving a protective effect from colon cancer.

2. Lowers blood pressure
   The fibre present in Irish potatoes helps in lowering cholesterol and improves the functioning of insulin in the body, which helps lower blood pressure.

It is also a rich source of potassium which is needed to neutralise the adverse effects of sodium which could lead to an increase in blood pressure.

1. Prevents cancer
   Irish potatoes are also rich sources of flavonoid antioxidants and vitamin A, like zeaxanthin and carotenes, as well as a compound called quercetin that protects you from cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells.

2. Boosts brain functioning
   Potatoes also contain Vitamin B6 which helps create useful brain chemicals, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

In addition, it contains other elements like phosphorus and zinc which are good for the brain.

1. Good for the heart
   Irish potatoes also contain minerals, roughages, and a substance called carotenoids, which promote good heart health.