Potato is a popular vegetable that is actually the root of the plant. They are native to South America Peru. Potatoes were unknown in the rest of the world before the 16th century. Potatoes were taken to Europe in 1536 and from there they spread all over the world. In Peru, it was known as patata.
The scientific name of the potato is solanum tuberosum. Potatoes belong to the nightshade family. Potatoes are made of parenchymal cells. There are 4000 varieties of potatoes that range in color, size, and nutrient content worldwide. The most common potatoes are russets, red, yellow, white, and fingerlings.
Potatoes will not grow without sun water. Potatoes need consistent water and keep the soil moist, but not wet. If the soil is too dry the plants will die, if it’s too wet the potatoes will rot.
French fries and potato skin may be heavy in fat and calories. Potatoes can make a delicious and healthy dish. Potato is known as the king of vegetables.
One thing that is very important about potatoes the skin potatoes contain a good amount of minerals and vitamins.
Nutrients
The nutritional content can depending how they are prepared this means fried potato contains more calories and fat and baked potato contain fewer calories and fats
Potatoes are good sources of vitamins B1, B3, and B6 and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and folate.
There are 103 calories in 100 grams of boiled potato.
Nutrient in 100 grams of potatoes
- Calories 77
- Protein 2 g
- Carbs 17 g
- Fiber 2.2 g
- Sugar 0.8 g
- Vitamin A 0.2 %
- Vitamin C 16 %
- Calcium 1.2 %
- Iron 6%
Benefits of Potatoes
Potatoes are rich in vitamin C which helps to repair tissues, skin, hair, and nails. Due to the presence of polyphenols in potatoes that help prevent sun damage, the cytokine and azelaic acid found in potatoes help reduce pimples. Potato protein powder aids in maintaining weight loss.
Antioxidant compound
An antioxidant compound present in potatoes helps to prevent many diseases and fight against harmful molecules known as free radicals which cause damage to your cells and increase the risk of heart attack diabetes and cancer. Color potatoes have more antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals.
Control blood pressure
Great source of magnesium and potassium present in baked potato skin when the level of potassium is low in the diet, the body retains extra sodium, and too much sodium raises blood pressure, so a rich diet of potassium can help to reduce blood pressure and protect our heart and reduce the risk of stroke.
Control blood sugar level
A special type of starch is present in potatoes that are called resistant starch. Resistant starch contains many health benefits, reducing insulin resistance that is improved blood sugar control.
Energy powerhouse
Potatoes are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, due to the presence of nutrients like folate, iron, and vitamin B6, potatoes are an energy powerhouse for growing babies.
Bone health
Due to the presence of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and zinc potatoes help to maintain bone strength.
Benefits of Potato juice
Potato juice is beneficial for a stomach disorder and water retention. And due to the presence of vitamins A, B, and C in potatoes, potato juice is great in keeping skin healthy glowy, and youthful, potatoes slice also best for dark circles.
Moisturizing
Potato juice is especially beneficial for dry and flaky skin that helps in retaining the skin naturally and moisturize it.
Side effects of potatoes
Bad impact of potatoes on blood sugar level
Potato contains a high level of glycemic index which shows a bad impact on blood sugar levels. When we eat lots of potatoes that will raise the level of blood sugar level in our body. So potatoes are not suitable for diabetics patients, and also high levels of dietary fiber contained in potatoes disturb our blood sugar levels.
Fried potatoes and potato juice
Eating fried potatoes can also cause weight gain and drinking potato juice may cause heartburn and diarrhea.
Green and sprouted potato
Green and sprouted, these potatoes contain poisonous chemicals that can cause sweating, headache, flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, thirst, and irritability.
Risk of high blood pressure
Due to the presence of high carbohydrate content in potatoes, they are considered high glycemic food, and a high glycemic carbohydrate diet may increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Allergic reaction
Applying potato juice on the face can cause itching and irritation of the skin. Women with sensitive skin will get an allergic reaction and must not use potatoes for the skin.
These are some side effects of potato juice on the face
- Itchy and red skin
- Runny nose
- Breathing difficulties
- Hives
- Swelling
FAQ
What are the benefits of potatoes?
Potatoes are rich in vitamin C which helps to repair tissues, skin, hair, and nails. Potatoes regulate your blood pressure and blood sugar levels and the antioxidant compounds in potatoes protect against many diseases.
Is a potato a protein or carbohydrate?
Potatoes mostly contain carbohydrate content, a moderate amount of protein, fiber, and nearly no fat.
How many calories are in a potato?
100 grams of boiled potatoes contain 103 calories while raw potatoes contain 77 calories.
