Jo Sebastian, a registered nutritionist-dietitian and a fast-rising content creator, emphasized this key message during her insightful talk hosted by Potatoes USA recently.
A versatile, nutritious tuber
“Potatoes can help us achieve multiple goals at once,” shares Jo. “Getting the nutrition we need, staving off hunger, and satisfying cravings.”
Many may be surprised to learn just how nutrient-dense potatoes are. Not only are they an excellent source of energy due to their quality complex carbohydrates — which take longer to digest than simple carbs, and help keep one full longer — but they also provide 620 milligram (mg) of potassium per serving. This makes potatoes an excellent source of this essential mineral, comparable to bananas.
Additionally, potatoes contain 27 mg of Vitamin C which is 30 percent of the daily recommended value. And did you know that Vitamin C, which we typically source from citrus fruits, aids in collagen production, a major component of muscle tissue?
As if that weren’t enough, potatoes are also a good source of fiber, providing 2 grams per serving, which is 7 percent of the daily recommended value. But that’s not all! Potatoes also offer essential nutrients like iron, Vitamin B6, and even protein, making them a well-rounded addition to a balanced diet.
For modern active lifestyle
Potatoes can fuel today’s modern, active lifestyles," said the nutritionist-dietitian from UP Diliman. She notes that potatoes are available in various forms, including fresh, frozen, and dehydrated (commonly known as instant).
With this, Jo also shares a variety of delicious and balanced meal ideas, showcasing how easily potatoes can be integrated into everyday diets.
For breakfast, for example, there’s tortang patatas with itlog na pula; for lunch there’s chicken afritada with extra potatoes; snacks can be baked kamote and potato fries; and for dinner, rice with grilled fish and ensaladang talong.
“Being easy to prepare, potatoes can play an important role in establishing healthier eating habits,” she says. “It works well with other ingredients and can make for amazing pairings with different types of protein.”
Actually, many Filipino dishes, among them caldereta and nilaga, already make use of potatoes as a key ingredient, and are well suited for the Pinoy palate. But beyond their delicious taste, isn’t it great to know that potatoes are also packed with nutrients and good for you?
Features Reporter
