Did you know red potatoes are packed with minerals, essential vitamins like Vitamin C, and energy that can help you throughout your day? They are a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet. But how many calories are in a red potato? Read on to find out!
How Many Calories in a Red Potato
If you are wondering about the calorie content of a red potato, it all depends on its size. On average, a medium-sized red potato contains around 150 calories. Additionally, according to USDA data, it has 4 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of fat. Hence, it is a great option if you are on a low-fat diet!
However, you need to be careful when eating red potatoes. Reduce your portion size to avoid consuming more calories than you need. After all, only one contains 150 calories; it can add up quickly.
Carbs in Red Potato
Moving on from red potatoe calories to carbs, a medium red potato has 34 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber. Fiber can help with your digestion, keep you full for hours, and even lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Other carbs in red potatoes come from starches. Starch is a complex carbohydrate often found in whole foods.
Quick Nutrition Facts
Here’s a summary of the nutrition and calories in one red potato:
• Calories: 86
• Total fat: 0,1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 12 mg
• Total carbohydrates: 19,4 g
• Dietary fiber: 1,8 g
• Sugar: 1,4 g
• Protein: 2,3 g
• Vitamin C: 12,5 mg
• Iron: 0,7 mg
• Potassium: 540,8 mg
• Phosphorus: 71,4 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0,2 mg
Red vs. White Potatoes: Which is Healthier?
The nutritional differences between red and white potatoes are minimal. As we said, the medium-sized red potato has around 150 calories; the white is a little bit higher—159 calories. Both are almost equally high in potassium—943 mg for red and 941 mg for white potatoes. In addition, they offer similar amounts of Vitamin C—21,8 mg for both potatoes.
And, of course, the carbs. White potato has 36,5 grams of carbs (fiber 3,6 grams), while red potato has 33,9 grams of carbs (with 3,1 grams being fiber).
Here’s a quick comparison:
Red Potatoes
- Fiber: 2g per 100g
- Vitamin C: 14.9mg per 100g
- Potassium: 379mg per 100g
- Iron: 0.81mg per 100g
White Potatoes
- Fiber: 1.8g per 100g
- Vitamin C: 19.7mg per 100g
- Potassium: 407mg per 100g
- Iron: 0.81mg per 100g
For the best health results and benefits, eat the red potato with its skin. Don’t peel it since it is very nutritious. Just make sure to thoroughly wash it before cooking.
Red Potatoes Provide Vitamins
Red potatoes are full of vitamins, especially Vitamin C. One red potato contains 22 mg of Vitamin C, which is approximately 24% of the daily value for men and 29% for women. We all know how important Vitamin C is for your immune system. Furthermore, it helps your body absorb copper and iron and also plays a crucial role in keeping your bones healthy and strong.
Besides Vitamin C, red potatoes also provide you with a good amount of Vitamin B. This vitamin helps with cell growth, nerve health, and energy metabolism. They cover 28% of your daily value of Vitamin B. Moreover, 12% for folate and 18-20% for niacin.
Essential Minerals in Red Potatoes
Other than vitamins, red potatoes are packed with minerals, too! For example, there’s 12-15% of your daily magnesium, 18% of phosphorus, and 28-36% of potassium in one medium potato.
Potassium, in particular, is crucial for muscle function and regulating blood pressure. Other minerals support many bodily functions, such as forming red blood cells, producing energy, and maintaining strong bones.
Summary
In summary, red potatoes are delicious, highly nutritious, and provide many health benefits. Whether you’re counting calories in red potatoes or considering their high nutrient content, incorporate them into your diet for a healthy, versatile choice! You won’t regret it, we promise!