Calories in a Baked Potato

Potato, the tuberous crop belonging to the Solanaceae family, was first discovered in Peru. The botanical name for potato is Solanum tuberosum. Potatoes are tubers that grow underground. According to the statistics, it is world's fourth largest crop. Around 5,000 varieties of potatoes are found throughout the world. History of potato informs us about the Inca Indians, the inhabitants of Peru who were the first to cultivate potatoes in 200 BC.

The potatoes we eat today are actually descendants of a subspecies that originated in the south-central part of Chile. Potatoes were introduced in Europe by the Spanish warriors in the 16th century. Thousands of varieties of potatoes are known; but very few types of potatoes, like yellow, round white, long white, red, russet, blue, purple and fingerling are commonly used for cooking purpose.

Potatoes are enjoyed by both young and the elderly. They are included in the diet designed for both babies and adults. They are served to the healthy and the sick, in all corners of the world. Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato chips, French fries are the favorite dishes of all generations. Actually, some weight conscious people don't know about the health benefits of potatoes and so for them, the word 'potato' comes with a blaring siren of "CALORIES"! So, before the thought of calories in a baked potato can add to your already existing blue quotient, let me tell you the number of calories and other nutrients present in it. I hope you know how to bake a potato.

Baked Potato Calories

Description	Quantity Served	Calories
Calories in Potato, Baked, Flesh and Skin (Without Salt)	1 Large Potato, 3'' to 4 ¼'' diameter (300 gm)	280
Calories in Potato, Baked, Flesh (Without Salt)	½ Cup (60 gm)	55
A small baked potato	About 2'' in diameter	130
A medium baked potato	About two and one-half to three inches in diameter	160
A large baked potato	About three inches in diameter	225
Dressed Baked Potato with Butter and Sour Cream (Outback Steakhouse)	1 serving	455
Dressed Baked Potato with Cheese (Outback Steakhouse)	1 serving	357

The numbers provided in the table are to be considered as guidelines only, because the numbers may vary according to the method of preparation, amount served, number and quantity of ingredients present in the dish, etc. It is difficult to state the exact number of calories in baked potatoes; because they may be served with butter and cheese, with margarine or with sour cream and butter. All these dishes are loved by people of all ages. In all such dishes, quantity of ingredients may vary according to the demand. Sour cream, butter, margarine, cheese or anything else might add several hundred more calories to baked potatoes. If you are weight conscious, you can always buy low-fat versions of cheese, butter, etc. Let us now take a look at the potato nutrition facts.

Baked Potato Nutrition Facts

Potato is really a 'gift of nature' as it is one of the world's most nutrient dense foods. Potatoes are low in fat or virtually fat-free. They are packed with vitamins and minerals and are absolutely free of cholesterol. When served in their skins, they are a great source of fiber.

• Potassium from potatoes helps control blood pressure.
• Magnesium, zinc and copper help build strong bones and teeth.
• Iron and folic acid help improve the quality of blood.
• Vitamins B1 and B6 help release energy from carbohydrates and help maintain the health of the nervous system.
• Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, which act as fuel for the brain and the body. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy.
• Baked potato in its skin contains more fiber than two slices of wholemeal bread. Fiber helps improve your digestive system.

Nutritionists and dietitians may ask you to incorporate potatoes in your regular diet as they are good for overall health. It is safe to conclude that instead of worrying about baked potato calories, it would be better if you include baked potato with skin in your regular diet, in proper proportion. If you use low-fat food for garnishing the dish, then calories in a baked potato should not affect your health.