Health Benefits of Potatoes

Health Benefits of Potatoes

1.Weight Gain:

Potatoes are primarily made of carbohydrates and contain very little protein. This makes it an ideal diet for those excessively lean or thin people who desperately want to put on weight. The vitamin content includes vitamin-C and B-complex, which also help in proper absorption of carbohydrates. That is one of the reasons that potatoes make up a large part of the diet of sumo wrestlers, as well as many other athletes who need large energy reserves to burn off in order to compete!

2.Skin Care:

 Vitamin-C and B-complex as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc are good for the skin. Apart from that, pulp obtained from crushed raw potatoes, mixed with honey, can work well in skin and face packs. This even helps to cure pimples and spots on the skin. Again, this pulp, if applied externally on burns, provides quick relief and faster healing. Smashed potatoes, and even water in which potatoes have been washed, are very good for softening and cleaning skin, especially around the elbows, and the back of the hands.

 3.Great Source of Fibre:

Potatoes are great as they contain good amounts of fibre. Fibre helps in a healthy bowel movement and keeps your digestive system happy. If you suffer from bad bowel movement, try eating cooked potatoes that are left to cool. This helps to increase the indigestible starch in the potato, helping in good bowel movements.

4. Get A Vitamin Boost:

Potatoes were eaten by 19th Century English and Spanish sailors to protect themselves from scurvy. Potatoes are rich in Vitamin C, a needed vitamin to boost immunity. A medium potato (150g) with the skin intact provides 27mg, almost half of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. Potato benefits include good amount of Vitamin B, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium phosphorus, zinc and iron.

5. Good for The Digestive System:

Potatoes mostly contain carbohydrates and do not contain fat or proteins which make it a good choice for those who cannot digest hard foods. Be careful as too much intake of potatoes can lead to acidity.

6. For Cardiovascular Diseases:

Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, protein, calcium, niacin and Vitamins C and B-complex. These help to fight heart diseases and keep blood pressure at normal. Potatoes contain carotenoids, which play a key role in keeping you fit and healthy. It also contains Flavonoids which keep bad cholesterol levels low.

7.Cancer Prevention:

 Certain types of potatoes, particularly red and russet potatoes, contain high levels of flavonoid antioxidants and vitamin A like zeaxanthin and carotenes, they can protect you against many
types of cancer. Also, research at the Agricultural Research service has shown that potatoes
contain a compound called quercetin, which has been proven to have anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. Finally, the high levels of vitamin A and C both have antioxidant qualities that can
protect your body from the devastating effects of cancer.

8.Brain Function:

 Proper functioning of the brain depends largely on the glucose level, oxygen supply, various components of the vitamin-B complex and certain hormones, amino acids and fatty acids like
omega-3. Potatoes cater to almost all the needs mentioned above. They are high in
carbohydrates,and thereby maintain good levels of glucose in the blood. This prevents the
brain from letting fatigue creep in and it keeps your cognitive activity and performance high.
Next, the brain needs oxygen, which is carried to the brain by the hemoglobin in the blood; its
main constituent is iron. Potatoes contain iron as well. Therefore, potatoes help deliver oxygen
to the brain as well. There are a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in potatoes that positively affect the function of the brain, including phosphorus, zinc, and the B complex vitamins. The vasodilating properties of potassium have also been connected to stimulation of brain function
due to increased blood flow to that essential organ.

9.Kidney issues:

Pancreatitis and kidney diseases are cured by using potato juice. It is used to prevent calcium stones from forming in your urinary tract and kidneys. Moreover, diabetes and high blood pressure is also effectively treated by potato juice.