Talking About Potato Nutrition

The following nutrient content claims are approved by the FDA (The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or USFDA) is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services) to be used on potatoes:

• Calories — One medium-sized potato has 110 calories
• Fat — Fat free; 100% fat free
• Saturated fat — Zero saturated fat
• Trans fat — 0 grams trans fat
• Cholesterol — Zero cholesterol
• Sodium — Sodium free
• Potassium — Good source of potassium; potato skin are a good source of potassium (Potatoes rank highest for potassium content among the top 20 most frequently consumed raw vegetables and the top 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits)
• Fiber: — Although potatoes don't qualify for a nutrient content claim for fiber, the following is true: One wholesome, satisfying potato contributes 2 grams of fiber to the diet, 8% of the U.S. Recommended Daily Value (RDV)
• Vitamin C — High, potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the RDV)
• Vitamin B6 — Good source of vitamin B6
• Antioxidants — Potatoes contain antioxidants; the amount and type depend upon the variety and cultivar; predominant antioxidants in potatoes are vitamin C, certain carotenoids, and anthocyanins; Research continues to examine ways to increase the antioxidant content of potato varieties.
• Carbohydrates — Potatoes are also one of our best sources of complex carbohydrates.
• Fresh & Healthy — SpudsToGo ® potatoes are unprocessed; never frozen and contain no preservatives

Structure:

1. Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure. Potatoes are a good source of potassium — Potatoes contain potassium, which helps maintain normal blood pressure.
2. Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant stabilizing free radicals, thus helping prevent cellular damage. (Source: Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids, National Academy Press, Washington D.C. 2000).
3. Vitamin C aids in collagen production, assists with iron absorption, keeps your gums healthy and helps heal cuts and wounds. Potatoes are high in vitamin C. Potatoes contribute vitamin C to the diet, which helps protect your body from infection by keeping your immune system healthy. (Source: Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids, National Academy Press, Washington D.C. 2000)
4. Although not technically considered a nutrient, fiber has been shown to be important to maintaining health. Fiber may help in controlling body weight and blood sugar levels (important in diabetes). Research suggests that fiber may help decrease the risk of some cancers and heart disease. Fiber aids in digestion and maintains bowel regularity.
5. Vitamin B6 helps the body make nonessential amino acids needed to make various body proteins. Vitamin B6 plays important roles in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for several co-enzymes involved in energy metabolism. Vitamin B6 is required for the synthesis of hemoglobin — an essential component of red blood cells.

Health:

1. Potatoes are sodium free. Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a disease associated with many factors. Dietary fat and cancer. Potatoes are 100% fat free. Eating a healthful diet low in fat may reduce the risk of some types of cancers, a disease associated with many factors.
2. Potatoes contain no fat, saturated fat or cholesterol. While many factors affect heart disease, diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of this disease.
3. Low fat diets rich in fruits and vegetables (foods that are low in fat and may contain dietary fiber, Vitamin A, or Vitamin C) may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, a disease associated with many factors. Potatoes are naturally fat free and an excellent source of vitamin C. Potassium and the risk of high blood pressure and stroke — Diets containing foods, like potatoes, that are a good source of potassium and that are low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Dietary:

1. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer and other chronic diseases, according to the National Cancer Institute.
2. Fruits and vegetables are a healthy source of carbohydrate.
3. Parents who eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily are teaching their children an important behaviour they are likely to imitate, and one that can provide them with disease-fighting benefits for a lifetime.
4. Eating fruits and vegetables in place of calorie-rich foods that are high in total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar, along with regular physical activity may help with weight control.
5. People who eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables every day as part of a healthy diet are less likely to develop cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic diseases.

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