The scientific name of our most popular and widely used
vegetable is Solanum Tuberosum.
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| Potatoes |
Potato is rich in Vitamin C and B6. It also contains high
amount of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and copper.
Potato is also rich in carbohydrates, fibers and proteins. Its protein contains
nine different amino acids. Potato fiber has soluble parts which results in
lowering of cholesterol.
Even the skin of potato which we throw away is very useful.
Is has been proved that the skin of potato acts as anti oxidants. The skin of
potato is able to neutralize the various harmful elements in the body that try
to damage human cells.
Dr. Henningsen of University of Lund (Sweden) has found that
the potassium content of steamed potato is more than that of boiled potato.
During steaming only 3-6% of potassium is lost while during boiling 10-50% of
potassium is lost.
Health Benefits of Potato-
Mashed potato is helpful for skin. When a boiled mashed
potato is applied to any body part’s skin, it smoothens and improves the color
of skin.
The juice of raw potatoes dissolves uric acid and lime.
Thus, it cures gout of people. But they must not be allergic to potatoes. As
potatoes do not have starch and rich in protein, it helps to cure gastritis.
The juice of raw potato is also good for cleaning skin blemishes. It is due to
its high sulphur, chlorine, potassium content.
If potatoes are boiled or backed without peeling its skin,
then it preserves most of its nutritional contents, otherwise most of its food
value is lost.
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| Potato- Nutrition facts |
Facts to be remembered-
Potatoes should not be taken by obese and diabetic people
due its high carbohydrate content. Potatoes belong to a botanical family known
as “Night shade” vegetables. Plants in this family contain a toxic substance
called solanine. If a person is allergic to solanine, then in future more
consumption of potatoes may lead to arthritis. Sometimes a portion of potato
becomes green. This is due to the fact that the potato contains harmful amount
of solanine. That should not be eaten to avoid neurological and digestive
disorders.
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