Ode to the Potato-Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Though potatoes are not native to Ireland, the Irish had it right in adopting and spreading the farming of these magnificent root vegetables.  Potatoes are filling, low in calories, high in fiber, and one of the most potassium rich foods available.  Potatoes contain 2 important phytochemicals-flavonoids and kukoamine, which are known to lower blood pressure.  They are also a good source of iron and copper, two metals associated with good heart health.  I cannot forget to point out that potatoes are also readily available and amazingly cheap.

Potatoes are getting a bad reputation these days.  “Carbs”is no longer necessarily a friendly term.  The truth is that healthy carbohydrates are an important aspect of our diets in terms of energy level.  While most of us could probably use to ease up on the white pasta, bread, and rice; we cannot afford to lose the nutrients found in carbohydrate rich vegetables and grains.

The truth is, the potato has never been the problem.  But, the way we choose to eat them certainly has room for improvement.  News Flash:  French fries are not a vegetable (fried or baked).  A baked potato smothered in salt,  butter, sour cream, and some sort of factory made cheese isn’t doing our waistlines any favors either-even if you put some broccoli on there too.

I wish I could say I understand completely that a potato on its own is simply not appetizing.  But, the truth is, I love them skin and all.  I do understand that not everyone shares my enthusiasm for this glorious food in its most original form.  So, I have a few suggestions for keeping potatoes in your life and making them worth your body’s while.

First of all, always try to bake or grill over frying.  Try dressing that big steaming baked potato with low fat or nonfat plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and butter.  Also, if you simply can’t do without cheese-the “harder” the cheese the better.  I would suggest parmesan, pecorino, or romano cheeses.  They are more flavorful so you can use less and still get great taste.  If roasted potatoes are your thing, make sure to use cold pressed extra virgin olive oil.  Use half as much as most recipes call for and supplement with fresh squeezed lemon juice and/or vegetable stock.  You can also make mashed or whipped potatoes using the Greek yogurt in place of milk and butter.  Garlic is also a heart healthy food.  So, try spicing with that over salt.  Anytime you can add a cleansing herb like fresh cilantro or parsley you should do so.

Don’t give up on potatoes.  Foods found in nature are never the enemy.  The factory made and processed junk we add to them for “flavor” most certainly is.

I wish you a blessed and joyful St. Paddy’s day, full of wondrously healthy potatoes!

“As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.”