Irish potatoes are a variety of potato that is indigenous to Ireland (Solanum tuberosum). They typically have very thin skin, are tiny, and are rounded. Irish potato flesh can be white, yellow, or red in hue. They have a mild flavor and are commonly eaten boiled or mashed. They have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Irish potatoes are a popular type of potato product that is consumed in Nigeria. The cultivation of Irish potatoes in Nigeria is also quite popular, and the country is one of the most important producers of Irish potatoes in Sub-Saharan Africa. This makes Nigeria a very important market.
Nutritional Contents of Irish Potato
The following list presents the nutritious content of 100 grams of Irish potato:
- Vitamin – B6 0.3mg
- Riboflavin – (Vitamin B2) 0.03mg
- Vitamin – B5 0.3mg
- Calories – 76kcal
- Protein – 2gr
- Carbohydrate – 17.47gr
- Sugar – 0.8gr
- Dietary – Fiber 2.2gr
- Fat – 0.1gr
- Vitamin – C 19.7mg
- Niacin – (Vitamin B3) 1.05mg
- Calcium – 12mg
- Iron – 0.8mg
- Magnesium – 23mg
- Manganese – 0.153mg
- Phosphorus – 57mg
- Potassium – 421mg
- Sodium – 6mg
- Zinc – 0.29mg
- Vitamin – E 0.01mg
- Thiamine – (Vitamin B6) 0.08mg
Irish Potato Health Benefits
Because it provides sufficient energy for the body without causing an increase in weight, it is an excellent choice for persons who are dieting.
1. Irish Potato Enhances Weight Loss
Irish potatoes, despite widespread opinion, are among the healthiest meals available, making them an excellent choice for those who want to reduce their overall body mass. In point of fact, you may find it interesting to learn that boiled potatoes are ranked first on the Satiety Index as the food that provides the greatest sense of fullness. Close behind them on the list are whole meat bread, brown rice, eggs, oatmeal, fish, vegetables, legumes, oranges, and apples, amongst other foods. However, the fact that Irish potatoes include a substantial quantity of fiber, vitamin, resistant starch, and other necessary nutrients makes them a great food choice for weight reduction.
This is because each of these nutrients plays a big role in the process of losing weight. Because of this, eating boiling potatoes will cause you to feel full and stimulated for a longer amount of time, which means that you won’t consume as many needless calories, which would have otherwise led to an increase in excess weight gain. If you are trying to lose weight and are seeking for a food that is rich in filling capacity, then boiling Irish potatoes are a fantastic alternative for you.
2. Irish Potato Aids digestion
The high quantities of dietary fiber, also known as a bulking agent, that are present in Irish potatoes are beneficial for maintaining good digestion and regular bowel movements, in addition to providing protection against colon cancer.
3. Irish Potato Lowers blood pressure
Numerous variables, including stress, tension, anxiety, and diabetes, can cause high blood pressure.
In addition to making digestion easier, the fiber found in Irish potatoes is beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels and improving the way insulin works in the body, both of which contribute to a reduction in blood pressure.
It is also an abundant source of potassium, which is required to counteract the unfavorable effects of sodium, such as a rise in blood pressure, that could be caused by the use of salt.
4. Irish Potato Prevents scurvy
Scurvy and other vitamin C deficiency disorders can be prevented by eating Irish potatoes due to their high vitamin C content. Additionally, it prevents the onset of additional symptoms, such as a cold, bleeding gums, viral infections, and spongy, irritated gums.
5. Irish Potato help Improve Gut Health
You can get 12 percent of the fiber you need from an Irish potato, which can assist improve the health of your digestive tract. Because it has a larger proportion of dietary fiber than most other foods, consuming it is an excellent choice for enhancing digestion and maintaining regular bowel movements.
Irish potatoes have been shown to reduce the risk of acquiring colon cancer in humans.
6. Irish Potato Prevents cancer
Irish potatoes are also a strong source of flavonoid antioxidants and vitamin A, such as zeaxanthin and carotenes. Additionally, Irish potatoes include a substance known as quercetin, which protects you from cancer by blocking the growth of malignant cells.
7. Irish Potato Cures Inflammation
Irish potatoes have a high antioxidant content due to the presence of vitamin C, which helps the body repair damaged cells caused by regular wear and tear. It is particularly efficient in addressing concerns of inflammation on the inside as well as the outside of the body.
In addition, it contains vitamin B6 and potassium, both of which help reduce inflammation in the digestive system and in the intestines. If you have irritation, rubbing the area with the juice extracted from raw potatoes may provide some comfort.
8. Irish Potato helps in Boosting energy levels
Irish potatoes are an excellent source of carbs, which the body breaks down and uses for energy. Consuming Irish potatoes can help you feel more energized throughout the day.
Side Effects of Eating Irish Potato
You could develop potato allergies if you eat potatoes and the side effects start to appear right away. Even though potato allergy is relatively uncommon, you should nonetheless be on the lookout for its symptoms, which may include the following:
- sneezing
- runny nose
- itchy eyes
- sore or scratchy throat
- itchy skin or an eczema-like rash
- hives
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat
- difficulty breathing
- tingling on the lips
- rapid heartbeat
- wheezing
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- a drop in blood pressure
- anaphylaxis
Even while potato allergies are relatively rare, the prevalence of potato items across a wide variety of cuisines makes them a potential source of discomfort.
Conclusion
Irish potatoes provide a lot of health benefits because they are packed with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Irish potatoes have been connected in a large number of medical studies to the health benefits that were outlined before. Therefore, if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle in Nigeria, you should make Irish potatoes a regular part of your diet.
