The humble potato has fallen in popularity in recent years, due to the interest in low-carb foods.
However, the fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals it provides can help ward off disease and benefit human health.
Potatoes were first domesticated in the Andes in South America up to 10,000 years ago. Spanish explorers introduced them to Europe in the early 16th century.
They are now the biggest vegetable crop in the United States (U.S.), where the average person eats 55 pounds, or 35 kilograms (kg) of potatoes every year. They are an important staple food in many countries around the world.
This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods.

The humble potato has fallen in popularity in recent years, due to the interest in low-carb foods.
However, the fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals it provides can help ward off disease and benefit human health.
Potatoes were first domesticated in the Andes in South America up to 10,000 years ago. Spanish explorers introduced them to Europe in the early 16th century.
They are now the biggest vegetable crop in the United States (U.S.), where the average person eats 55 pounds, or 35 kilograms (kg) of potatoes every year. They are an important staple food in many countries around the world.
This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods.