POTATO

      Potatoes were born in the Peru-Bolivia Andes and are one of the most important food crops in the world. Potatoes are often served whole or mashed as a cooked vegetable and are also ground into potato starch, used for baking and as a thickener in sauces. The tubers are highly digestible and provide vitamin C, protein, thiamine and niacin.

 

Description :
     Potato is one of about 150 types of tubers in the genus Solanum (tubers are the swollen ends of underground stems). Complex leaves arranged in a spiral; each leaf is 20-30 cm (about 8-12 in) long and consists of a terminal leaflet and two to four pairs of leaflets. White, lavender, or purple flowers have five interlocking petals and yellow stamens. The fruit is a small poisonous berry with many seeds. 

 

Nutrition :

One Medium Size Potato Provide :

• Calories : 265
• Protein : 6gm
• Carbs : 61gm
• Fiber : 4gm
• Sugar : 5gm
• Fat : 1gm

Vitamin & Minerals :

• Vitamin C
• Thiamin
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Folate
• Iron
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Magnesium

Benefits :

Digestive System Health :
     The fiber found in potatoes is a special type called "resistant starch" which has the health benefits of soluble and insoluble fiber and causes less gas than other types of fiber. You can increase the amount of stubborn starch in potatoes by boiling them the day before and refrigerating them overnight. Feel free to warm it up before you eat. Like soluble fiber, the resistant starch in potatoes acts as a prebiotic – food for the good bacteria in the colon that promote gut health. Like insoluble fiber, it can prevent or treat constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Disease Prevention :
     Potatoes are full of antioxidants - compounds that prevent free radicals from damaging your cells. A diet high in fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants will reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. To get the most out of potatoes, leave the skin on and choose a colored variety like purple potatoes. The more color the potato is, the more antioxidants it contains. In addition, potato skins can contain up to 12 times more antioxidants than meat. So don't be afraid to eat your potato skins.

Low Blood Pressure :
     Baked potato skins are a great source of potassium and magnesium. When you don't have enough potassium in your diet, your body stores extra sodium, and too much sodium raises your blood pressure. Eating a diet high in potassium can help lower blood pressure, protect the heart, and reduce the risk of stroke.

Reduce Inflammation :
     According to the book "Medicinal Food", "Alkalizing and anti-inflammatory, potatoes relieve gastric and duodenal ulcers, and reduce stomach acid. They can also relieve inflammation associated with arthritis. Add potatoes to your diet, but remember that they are harmful , "To overeat everything, moderation is key!

Helps Calm :
     According to the book Medicinal Foods, potatoes, especially the white flesh, are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid with natural calming properties that calm nerves. L-Tryptophan is an amino acid. L-tryptophan is called an essential amino acid because our bodies cannot do it naturally. It must be digested with foods such as potatoes.

Heart Healing Properties :
     Did you know that potatoes do not contain cholesterol? That's right, potatoes do not contain cholesterol. Only cooked ingredients containing oil and cholesterol make it a threat to the heart. Potatoes can work wonders for your heart with heart-healing antioxidant anthocyanins. They also contain fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and B6 – all of which are great for heart health.

Improve Brain Health :
     Alpha lipoic acid, a coenzyme found in potatoes, may help improve overall cognitive health. Experts have also linked this acid to beneficial effects in Alzheimer's patients. A number of vitamins and minerals found in potatoes have a positive effect on brain function (including zinc, phosphorus, and B-complex). Vitamin B6 is very important for maintaining healthy nerves.

Promote Sleep :
     Tryptophan, found naturally in potatoes, is a natural sedative that helps you sleep well. In addition, the potassium in potatoes acts as a muscle relaxant, which ensures better sleep and relaxation. It is also known that high-carbohydrate foods often interfere with normal sleep, especially in children.

Relieve Premenstrual Symptoms :
     According to some studies, potato juice can help relieve PMS symptoms. The high carbohydrate content in potatoes helps increase tryptophan levels, which in turn increase the production of serotonin in the body (serotonin is also called the happiness hormone). This serotonin spike helps improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Good For Bones :
     "Potatoes, which are high in calcium and phosphorus, strengthen bones," says Shilpa. The iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc contained in potatoes help build and maintain bone structure and strength. Zinc and iron play an important role in the production and maturation of collagen. Potatoes have all these components.

For Dark Circles & Puffy Eyes :
     Peel and grate the pumpkin and cut into large pieces. Now take a towel or cloth and wrap a piece of potato in it and slowly place it on your dark circles. Leave it for 20 minutes. Wash your eyes with water. Potatoes can help get rid of dark circles

Reduction Of Fine Lines & Wrinkles :
     The content of vitamin C in vegetables can eliminate visible signs of aging on the face. To get rid of wrinkles, apply potato juice to the affected area and see for yourself the results. You can also apply a small amount of mashed raw potato paste to the skin. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and rinse with water.

Removes Dead Skin Cells :
     Potatoes can do wonders to exfoliate your skin from the inside out. “An antioxidant-rich exfoliator can be applied to the skin to exfoliate the skin. This can help remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin.” Apply potato juice to your face and neck to remove dead skin from your face.

Caring For Dry Skin :
     Potatoes, which are rich in vitamin C, can help treat dry skin by nourishing it from within. Make a paste of grated potatoes and half a teaspoon of cottage cheese. Apply it on your face and leave it on for 20-25 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Use this regularly for better results.

Help With Sunburn :
     Potato juice or just two potato wedges can also be effective against sunburn. Take a potato wedge, preferably cold, and apply it to the affected skin area. If you have potato juice, you can apply it to the affected area. It will give a cooling sensation to the sunburnt skin and help you repair the damaged skin.