Many people still hold the belief that potatoes are both fattening and devoid of much nutrition. The fact is that potatoes are bursting with nutrients as well as being both filling and fat-free which means they are an excellent choice for diet plans and weight loss.

Potatoes contain a moderate amount of calories, but are nutrient rich which more than offsets the calorie factor. They are a wonderful source of fiber, half being insoluble, which is good for healthy colon maintenance, and half that is soluble, which is good for lowering bad (HDL) cholesterol levels. The rich fiber content also helps to keep you feeling full longer so you can resist fattening snacks.

Potatoes have practically every nutrient, except for vitamin A. They are actually a good source of vitamin C, but the cooking process destroys most of that vitamin. Baked potatoes provide almost 20% of recommended daily amount of vitamin B6 and are particularly high in potassium, iron and copper. Potatoes are both good for a healthy heart and regulating blood pressure as well as helping to lose weight and keep it off.