Give Your Brain a Boost with Potatoes

Versatile, tasty and great for your mind — spuds are gaining more recognition for their benefits in improving overall brain health.

When it comes to brain-boosting nutrients, potatoes are a powerhouse. Vitamins and minerals found in tubers contribute to a wide-range of essential brain functions thanks to their amounts of B6, C, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium.  

Stress-reducing Properties

Spuds may be known for their carbohydrate content, but you probably didn’t realize that carbohydrates trigger insulin, allowing the amino acid tryptophan to get to work in the brain.

The body uses tryptophan to make melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle while serotonin is thought to help regulate appetite, sleep, mood, and pain. Both have been shown to help ward off anxiety and promote better quality sleep.

More Potassium than a Banana

Potassium, another key player in brain function, is found in high amounts in potatoes. This mineral is an electrolyte that allows brain cells to communicate with each other effectively.  

Potassium also has other roles in the body that positively affect brain health; i.e. it encourages blood vessels to widen, making it easier for blood to flow to the brain and also acts as a natural muscle relaxer.

Assist Brain Function

Potatoes also contain fatty acids and amino acids that are critical for brain health. Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, another fatty acid found in potatoes, has been shown to boost cognitive health and improve memory. 

Potatoes are a versatile staple food packed with many essential nutrients that the brain needs for optimum health. It’s also a bonus that our favorite superfood is usually easy to find at any grocery store. 

Considering adding more potatoes to your diet? Check out our delicious recipes page.