Irish potato is one of the many varieties of potato, a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade solanum tuberosum.


They are called Irish potatoes because they were the main type grown in Ireland in the early 1800s, and are associated with The Great Irish Famine, one of the worst agricultural, social, and cultural disasters of the time.

The small fibrous vegetable is stacked with vitamins and minerals, such as carotenoids and natural phenols, potassium, vitamin B6 and trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, fibre and zinc.

Whether baked, steamed, or boiled, here are six reasons you should eat Irish potatoes:

1. Improves gut health

An Irish potato can give you 12% of the fibre you need which helps to promote your gut health. It also has higher levels of dietary fibre that makes it a perfect choice to improve your digestion and regularize your bowel movements.

Irish potatoes also protect your body from developing colon cancer.

2. Irish potato helps facilitate digestion

Carbohydrates present in Irish potatoes help in quick and easy digestion. This makes it a good choice for babies and patients who face difficulty in digesting foods.

3. Prevents scurvy

Irish potatoes are rich in Vitamin C which prevents deficiency diseases like scurvy. It also prevents the occurrence of other symptoms like cold, viral infections, bleeding gums and spongy inflamed gums.

4. Cures inflammation

Irish potatoes are rich in antioxidants, as it contains Vitamin C to repair the wear and tear of the body cells. It is very effective in dealing with both external and internal inflammation issues.

It also has Vitamin B6 and potassium to relieve the digestive system inflammation and inflamed intestines. Applying the juice of raw potatoes over inflammation can provide good relief.

5. Lowers blood pressure

Irish potatoes have the ability to lower blood pressure levels, thanks to its essential vitamins that can control stress, tension and anxiety.

The fibre found in potatoes lowers the level of cholesterol and promotes insulin production in your body. This, in turn, lowers the level of blood pressure in your body.