Ever considered incorporating potatoes into your diet? I recently started toying with the idea of consuming less rice in order to diversify my diet .  The first carbohydrate source alternative I have tried my hands on are potatoes, both sweet and Irish potatoes. They are both extremely versatile and can be used in all 3 daily meals.

Regular potatoes are very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol, Sugar and Sodium. They are also a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Manganese.

Sweet potatoes are low in Sodium, and very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. Also, a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Manganese

          On the calories scale, both potatoes are comparable. Sweet potatoes  contain 90calories per 100g and Regular (Irish) potatoes have 93 calories per 100g. Irish potatoes beat sweet potatoes on the sugar level with 5g less sugar per 100g  and on the protein level as well.

Sweet potatoes trump Regular potatoes on all other nutrition comparison. They are higher in Carbohydrate which is necessary for energy level, higher in fibre which is responsible for digestive health, significantly higher in vitamin A which contributes to normal growth and development and keeps the eye, skin and immune systems healthy.

For the average healthy adult, sweet potatoes are definitely a better choice. However, for people with health conditions requiring low sodium, low sugar or a combination of both, regular potatoes are a better option. Other great sources of Vitamin A (Chicken and turkey liver, Cod Liver oil and carrot juice).

Fun Facts:

• Potato is native to South America
• Potatoes have been used as food as long as 400BC
• A significant amount of potato nutrient is on or directly underneath the skin
• Worldwide there are thought to be over 4000 varieties in over 6 colors ( Red, Black, Yellow, Brown, Purle and white)
• Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes is a source of beta-carotene

Store potatoes in dark, cool, dry place.

Where to buy: For those who live in West Africa sweet potatoes are available all year round. In north America, Asian food specialty stores carry them all the time (they are an important ingredient in Asian desserts). Stores like Super store also carry sweet potatoes(buy the once in the ethnic food section not the giant once). Safeway also carries the orange variety of sweet potatoes.

Simple Sweet/ regular potato Recipes coming over the next 3 days.