kiwiblog

Health

Potato: history and benefits
Health

Potato: history and benefits

By Gretel Morales - 2024-05-28T17:13:01Z
The potato is one of those ingredients that, despite not being endemic, has become a staple in Mexican cuisine. The potato has become key in the preparation of stews, soups, and snacks. Today we tell you about the history and the benefits of the potato.

Remember that the potato is one of the most productive and versatile ingredients, perfect for preparing economical options like potatoes with chorizo, potato flautas, potato patties, and more. What is your favorite recipe with this tuber

You can also read: 7 recipes to make potato cake

History of the potato 

Many of the best dishes in the world, like French fries or mashed potatoes, are made with this ingredient, which traveled from Peru to become a staple product in kitchens around the world.  

According to the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development, this tuber has been consumed for 9,000 years. It is native to what we now know as “the south of Peru and the northwest of the Bolivian Altiplano”.  

With the arrival of Europeans to the American continent, the potato reached every corner of the world. Since then, it has become a staple ingredient in the cuisines of countries like Ireland, France, Holland, and England.  

See more: 10 different ways to make potato salad

Benefits of the potato 

The potato is a food with a good amount of nutrients and health benefits. Here are the most important ones! 

1. Contains vitamins and minerals 
According to the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development, this tuber is rich in nutrients such as: 
  • Folic acid 
  • Phosphorus 
  • Iron 
  • Magnesium 
  • Potassium 
  • Vitamin B1 
  • Vitamin B3 
  • Vitamin B6 
  • Vitamin C
2. Could lower sugar levels  
Experts from the Healthline portal point out that the potato could be a great option for people with insulin resistance. The site mentions that consuming resistant starch “includes reducing insulin resistance, which in turn improves blood sugar control”.  

3. Rich in fiber 
This vegetable contains a lot of fiber, making it a great option for your digestion.  

4. Protects against scurvy 
Scurvy is a disease that occurs in people with very low levels of vitamin C. 

5. Take advantage of its antioxidants 
The UC Davis Health portal explains that the darker the potatoes, the more antioxidants they contain. In the case of purple potatoes, the specialized health website mentions that they contain anthocyanins, a substance that could help prevent heart disease and cancer.  

Recipes with potatoes 

Now that you know the origin and benefits that the potato has for your health, don’t miss these amazing recipes that Kiwilimon has for you. Enjoy this vegetable!  

1. French fries 
We give you the exact recipe to make the crispiest French fries on the outside and creamy on the inside.  

2. Mashed potatoes 
This recipe is the perfect side dish for almost any dish, so here’s the step-by-step recipe.  

3. Cheese broth
Have you tried this classic from Sonoran cuisine? Try this soup and fall in love with the explosion of flavors. It’s finger-licking good!  

4. Cordon Bleu potato patties 
We gave a twist to the classic potato patties and filled them with ham and cheese to make them even more delicious. Don’t resist the craving! 

5. Stuffed potatoes
Add flavor to your meals with these stuffed potatoes with grilled meat, they are a delight! Don’t forget to top with plenty of cheese, chives, and guacamole. 

Take advantage of the many benefits that the potato has for your health and include this vegetable in your meals and menus. We are sure these dishes will be a hit on your table.  

Continue reading: