Potato, Type : Vegetable

The potato is a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum. The word "potato" may refer either to the plant itself or to the edible tuber. In the Andes, where the species is indigenous, there are some other closely related cultivated potato species. Potatoes were introduced outside the Andes region approximately four centuries ago, and have since become an integral part of much of the world's food supply. It is the world's fourth-largest food crop, following maize, wheat, and rice. The green leaves and green skins of tubers exposed to the light are toxic.

The potato reached India in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, most likely aboard ships from Portugal. Today, India ranks as the world's third largest potato producing nation, with production in 2007 of around 26 million tonnes.

Potato varieties suited to the country's climate - hot summers and short winters - are grown on the Indo-Gangetic plain during the short winter days from October to March, while some year-round production takes place in relatively high altitude areas in the south.

•  Potatoes may help lower blood pressure for several reasons.

•  The B6 vitamins in potatoes are critical to maintaining neurological health.

•  Vitamin C can help prevent everything from scurvy to the common cold, and potatoes are full of this nutrient.

•  The largest health benefit offered by potatoes is how they can help with digestion due to their high fiber content.

•  Potatoes can help restore electrolyte balance.