New Health-Promoting Compounds in Potatoes

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a nutrient-dense vegetable consumed worldwide due to its long shelf life. There is a significant contribution of potato in meeting dietary requirements in both the developing and developed world. Colored-flesh potatoes are gaining popularity among consumers due to the higher concentration of phytochemicals. The antioxidant activity measured in colored-flesh potatoes is comparable to blueberries and pomegranates which are considered as superfoods. Potatoes are rich in starch but also contain a diverse set of nutrients such as amino acids, minerals, vitamins, lectins, proteinase inhibitors, terpenes polyamines, polyphenolic compounds, along with antinutritive compounds, i.e., glycoalkaloids. Chlorogenic acid and its derivatives are the predominant phenolic compounds in potato tubers that provide protection against chronic diseases. Based on the current knowledge, potato-derived nutrients have various potential health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and hypocholesterolemic potential as reported by several researchers. Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of nutrients present in potatoes are higher compared with other staple crops. Further studies are needed to establish the possible in vivo efficacy of these components as well as their long-term health benefits. In this chapter, we review the recent relevant literature about potato metabolites and their potential health-promoting properties.