Nutritional Significance of Potato and Its Biofortification

Potatoes are being consumed worldwide either as fresh or in processed form. Potato is preferred by consumers because of its taste and bulky nature rather than its nutritional value due to the unawareness about the nutritional significance of potatoes. Potatoes contain a considerable concentration of numerous nutrients such as polyphenols, anthocyanin, carotenoids, vitamins such as ascorbic acid, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid and riboflavin, and minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Several studies have indicated the presence of anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anticancerous, and hypocholesterolemic compounds in potatoes. Numerous studies using cell cultures, experimental animals, and human subjects indicated potatoes to be a healthy food. Malnutrition or hidden hunger has become one of the major concerns in most of the nations. Among all the strategies to improve the health of individuals and overcome the worldwide issue of hidden hunger, the biofortification of staple foods is of utmost importance. Moreover, hidden hunger is much related to the financial status of individuals; hence biofortification of cheap commodities is of much importance. As the consumption of potatoes is quite high worldwide compared to other fruits and vegetables, the biofortification of potatoes with antioxidants and minerals may directly improve the health status of consumers on a large scale. The availability of large potato germplasm with variations in antioxidants and micronutrients further makes it much more suitable for biofortification. Potato cultivars varying in skin and flesh color such as red, yellow, and purple are available worldwide, which are a rich source of antioxidants. The chapter highlights, in brief, the nutritional significance of potatoes, new health-promoting compounds identified in potatoes, and the scope for biofortification to address the issue of hidden hunger.