Potato Facts

Do You Have the REAL
Facts About Potatoes and Potato Nutrition?

• Potatoes are fattening.
• Potatoes are high in carbohydrates.
• Potatoes are high in cholesterol.
• Potatoes are high in sodium.
• There are no vitamins in a potato.
• It takes too long to cook potatoes and I don't really know what to make with them.

Read on for the real facts about potatoes and just browse the rest of this site to see how really easy it is to add these tasty and nutritious tubers to as many meals as you choose.

Contrary to common belief, the potato is a nutritional "powerhouse."

Some potato nutrition facts include:

• One medium, skin-on potato contains only 110 calories and is full of vitamins and minerals essential for good health.
• Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C, and also a source of dietary fiber and iron.
• Potatoes contain no saturated, trans fat or cholesterol and very little sodium.

One outstanding potato fact that has been true through the centuries is that potatoes are the basic componant of some very cheap, thrify or frugal meals. Potatoes can be grown in almost any part of the world. New varieties are hardy in place where growing almost anything is a challenge. Of the major food crops in the world (rice, corn, wheat and potatoes), the potato is the only one that can be grown by almost anyone in any small space available.

Potatoes are the second most consumed food in the U.S., second only milk products. The average American eats 120 pounds of potatoes a year. That is almost 365 per person; or one a day.

• Baked potatoes are the most popular way for Americans to cook potatoes.
• Potatoes are included in one out of every three meals that Americans eat.
• About 35 billion pounds of potatoes are grown in the U.S. every year.

Learn About the International Year of the Potato

Here are a few sweet potato facts and sweet potato nutrition facts.

• Sweet potatoes are native to Central America and are one of the oldest vegetables known to man.
• The sweet potato is on every list of healthiest foods.
• The sweet potatoes offer the lowest glycemic index rating because it digests slowly, causing a gradual rise in blood sugar so you feel satisfied longer.
• Sweet potatoes are often confused with yams. Yams are large, starchy roots grown in Africa and Asia. Yams can grow up to 100 pounds and are rarely available in American markets.