Nutrients in potatoes are mainly concentrated in the skin and under it, especially in young potatoes.
Description
Potatoes are edible starchy tubers from the nightshade family. They are widely cultivated throughout the world due to their high nutritional value and incredible culinary versatility. But potatoes also have medicinal and cosmetic properties and can be used to treat a wide range of ailments.
Potatoes come in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures depending on the variety. Mature potatoes have larger sizes, while young potatoes have smaller tubers.
The thin skin may be yellow, brown, or reddish in color, while the starchy contents are typically white or yellow, and the texture may vary from waxy to mealy. Potatoes are most often eaten cooked.
Although we do not eat potatoes raw, they can be used to make juice, which is useful for many ailments. Potato juice is best extracted with a juicer. Nutritional value
Potatoes are mostly starch, complex carbohydrates, and virtually devoid of fat and cholesterol. It also contains large amounts of beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, folic acid), potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur and copper, as well as small amounts of fiber. and protein (about 2,5 g in a medium-sized tuber).
Because most of the nutrients are in and under the skin, it’s important not to peel the potato when you want to juice it. Young potatoes are especially rich in all these nutrients.
Benefit for health
Potatoes are easily digestible and therefore suitable as a food for people of all ages. It has a diuretic, sedative, anti-inflammatory effect and improves digestion. Below are some of the medicinal properties of potatoes.
Anemia. Potatoes are an excellent source of iron and folic acid, which are essential for the production of red blood cells. For this reason, potatoes can be used in the prevention or treatment of various forms of anemia.
Arthritis. Like rheumatism, arthritis is an inflammatory disease. The high content of minerals, potassium and organic salt makes potatoes one of the best anti-inflammatory foods. Slice the potatoes with the skin on and soak in a glass of distilled water. Drink in the morning before meals.
Rash and other skin irritations. When applied to the skin, raw potatoes, sliced or grated, have a soothing effect. It can be used to treat a wide range of irritations, including burns, rashes, as well as skin redness, itching, and skin dehydration.
Constipation and hemorrhoids. Boiled and stewed potatoes promote the formation of soft stools, and thus can be effectively used as a natural remedy for treating constipation and preventing hemorrhoids.
Gastritis and stomach ulcer. Perhaps the most common use of raw potato juice is in the treatment of gastritis, colitis, stomach and intestinal ulcers. In these cases, to get the most benefit from potato juice, it is advisable to drink half a glass of juice 3 to 4 times a day for at least one month.
High blood pressure. Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, which helps lower and stabilize blood pressure.
Pain. Regular consumption of raw potato juice is effective in relieving the pain associated with arthritis, gout, and even headaches.
Rheumatism. The juice extracted from raw potatoes is an excellent remedy for rheumatism. It is also a very good detoxifier. Take two teaspoons of juice before meals for best effect.
Tired eyes. Raw potatoes really help tired eyes. If you apply thin slices of raw potatoes to your eyes at least twice a day, dark circles will miraculously disappear!
Weight loss. It’s a myth that potatoes make you fat. This oil in fried potatoes causes weight gain. Raw potatoes are a great alternative to grains and seeds due to their low calorie content.
Tips
When choosing potatoes, avoid tubers that have sprouted, as well as potatoes with a green tint. Instead, choose young potatoes (smaller ones) that are harvested to full maturity. It contains more nutrients.
Store potatoes in a cool (not cold), dark and dry place to prevent premature germination and dehydration. Also avoid refrigeration, as this causes the starch to turn into unwanted sugars.
Finally, potatoes should not be stored next to onions. Check potatoes regularly and remove sprouted and rotten tubers so they don’t spoil the good ones. Attention
Potatoes often contain pesticides. Go organic if possible. If not, soak them in water with apple cider vinegar and sea salt to remove the chemicals. Then scrape the skin well before using the potato for food.
Avoid eating potatoes that have sprouted, turned green, or shriveled. These potatoes contain the toxic alkaloid solanine, which has an unpleasant taste and can cause circulatory and respiratory problems such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headache, and dizziness.