Carbs. Carbohydrates. My favourite food and such a funny topic of discussion! Those poor carbohydrates have such a bad reputation these days and it is such a shame as they have so much to offer and many benefits for us to gain.
I have just posted up a video on YouTube about Why I Eat Plants. Be sure to check it out as I talk a lot about the many benefits I have gained from eating so many carbs, and how it can improve health. For further information head to the resources page on the website where I share documentaries, videos and books to help deepen the understanding of wholesome nutritious carbs.
Speaking of carbs, let’s talk potatoes, more specifically white potatoes. Arghh!!! Don’t fear, white potatoes are awesome and I am here to tell you why. I am sure many of you love white potatoes, I am sure some of you eat them and have no fear, I am sure some of you eat them and then feel guilty and I am sure some of you have completely eliminated them from your diet due to being told they are bad and unhealthy. Well let’s just start with the fact that white potatoes are healthy and here are the facts as to why…
12 Potato Facts
1. Build Healthy Cells
White potatoes have a high amount of vitamin B6 which is a very important nutrient for building healthy cells in the body and supporting the production of red blood cells.
2. Healthy Brain & Nervous System
Vitamin B6 plays numerous roles in our nervous system, many of which involve the brain cells. Three key neurotransmitters – GABA, dopamine, and serotonin – all require vitamin B6 for synthesis. White potatoes also have a great dose of vitamin C which is necessary for certain neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are the signals that carry thoughts, feelings, and commands around our brains and throughout our nervous system.
3. Cardiovascular Protection
Vitamin B6 rich foods, such as white potatoes, are known to support a healthy heart as this nutrient can help control levels of homocysteine in the blood.
4. Athletic Performance
Whether you are an athlete or an active person white potatoes will provide a great source of energy to the body. All B vitamins help the body convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy. White potatoes also have a good dose of iron which is crucial for enhancing oxygen transport and supporting energy production.
5. Support Healthy Blood Pressure
White potatoes have a good amount of potassium which is important for maintaining normal blood pressure.
6. Antioxidant Protection
The vitamin C and copper present in white potatoes helps to protect against excess free radicals. Plus, vitamin C helps to enhance iron absorption which will provide better energy to the body.
7. Strong Bones and Tissues
White potatoes have a good mix of manganese, copper and vitamin C all of which aid stronger bones and tissues.
8. Healthy Collagen
As mentioned above, manganese, copper and vitamin C support a strong body and one of the main reasons for this is they help to produce collagen. This is a critical role in the structure of our bodies as it is the framework for our skin and bones.
9. Enhances Oxygen Transport
All of the tissues in our body need a regular supply of oxygen to maintain life which is delivered by the red cells in our blood. Iron is essential to helping this which is a nutrient found in white potatoes.
10. Energy Production
White potatoes are a great source of food for producing energy as they have a super mix of iron, copper and vitamin B6 which help to generate energy from carbohydrates. A body full of energy is a healthy body!
11. A Healthy Food (for an active body)
There is an abundance of nutrients in white potatoes, including vitamin B6, C, iron, copper, manganese, potassium and fibre. These nutrients support a healthy body on so many levels that it seems absurd to think that they are unhealthy for the body. By becoming aware of what these nutrients can do for the body it will help to understand how healthy carb foods such as white potatoes can provide the body with healthy nutrition for a fit active lifestyle. This doesn’t mean you have to be a top level athlete in order to eat white potatoes, you can simply be someone who leads an active life day to day. Bear in mind it is important for everybody to move regularly, it doesn’t matter what type of movement you do as long as you enjoy it, feel fit and healthy and reap the rewards. Swim, walk, run, cycle, dance, yoga, rugby, football, lift weights…just move the body at a nice steady pace regularly. And eat delicious wholesome food to support the movement.
12. Just Awesome!
White potatoes are simply awesome. Steam, bake or make your own potato wedges, it’s all good. Just avoid slathering them in tonnes of fat and salt as this will not support a healthy body. The high fats will mess with digestion (amongst many other factors) and the high salt will make your body retain water causing extra weight on the body.
Another reason why white potatoes are awesome is you can dip them into this tomato ketchup. Amazing!
This Tomato Ketchup sauce recipe is ridiculously easy as it only takes minimal time to prep and not many ingredients to throw together. You can serve it alongside homemade potato wedges, parsnip fries, caramelised veggies, mixed through gluten free pasta or zucchini noodles. But I imagine potatoes will be the go-to food for this ketchup!
You could make a big batch and store it in an air tight container in the fridge to serve alongside other meals during the week when you want to make things a bit more saucey.
Here is the recipe for an easy Tomato Ketchup sauce.
DAIRY FREE | GLUTEN FREE | REFINED SUGAR FREE | EGG FREE | NUT FREE
Easy Tomato Ketchup
Ingredients
Serves 2 to 3
- 4 to 6 tbsp tomato puree or passata
- 2 to 4 tsp coconut sugar (honey, maple syrup or unrefined cane sugar would work too)
- Optional: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp mixed herbs
Method
- Add the tomato puree or passata to a bowl. Add the coconut sugar and stir together. For more of a kick in the sauce add the paprika and mixed herbs.
- Serve with homemade potato wedges or any other vegetable baked!
FEEL GOOD WITH FOOD…AND CARBS!
