100 g of potatoes contain:




Diagram: Nutritive substances of the potato

• Three quarters of the potato are water.
• The 15 % of carbohydrates are almost exclusively available as starch which is why the potato is quite nourishing.
• 2 % are dietary fibres which play an important role for the gastrointestinal tract . These are largely indigestible food componments that are necessary for digestion.
• The potato proteins possess a high biological value. This means that the proteins are better available than those of other plants. Moreover, the potato contaons no gluten (gluten protein), i.e. it is gluten free. This is important for persons suffering coeliac disease (gluten intolerance).
• Due to a low fat content (0.1 %) the energy value of the potato is very low, that is only 70 kcal or 294 kJ per 100 g. In comparison, noodles have 159 kcal or 665 kJ, which is more than twice the energy value!
• Potatoes have a high content of vitamin B1, B2 and C. A potato meal covers more than two thirds of the required daily amount of vitamin C.
• Moreover the potato is rich in minerals, especially potassium, sodium, calcium and phosphor.

 

The potato is also perfectly suitable for a healthy nutrition. It has few calories, but contains high quality proteins and more starch than cereals (exception: rice) or other plants. You can even satisfy your vitamin C needs with potatoes!

A further advantage of the potato is its diversity: no matter if cooked or fried, as principal meal or as side dish – the potato never becomes boring!

Attention: Green potatoes contain high amounts of toxic solanine which is typical for the Solanaceae family. Therefore you should cut off green parts on the potatoes generously.