Useful and harmful properties of raw potatoes
Potatoes have not always been a constant dish on the tables of our compatriots. Initially, it was considered not edible and even poisonous. The benefits and harms of raw potatoes were initially not even considered because they were practically not used in food in many countries.
Useful and harmful properties of raw potatoes
Tuber composition
The benefits of raw potatoes for humans are determined by their qualitative composition. Root crops are rich in vitamin C. It is this feature that was discovered during the scurvy epidemic during the period of great geographical discoveries, when people sailed on ships for years and did not have the opportunity to eat foods enriched with vitamins. Potatoes are 80% water and 20% dry substances, which include:
- starch;
- amino acids;
- minerals;
- glucose, sucrose and fructose;
- coarse fibers;
- fats;
- pectin.
In addition to vitamin C, potatoes contain B vitamins and phylloquinone. B vitamins are actively involved in metabolic processes and the formation of enzymes, increase brain activity.
Mineral complex
- potassium - participates in the processes of biosynthesis, has a positive effect on the work of the muscular system, and also regulates the water balance;
- phosphorus is an indispensable element in the development of tooth enamel and bones;
- magnesium - helps to remove cholesterol, participates in the construction of nerve cells and hematopoiesis;
- calcium - is actively involved in the development of bones, teeth, and also affects blood clotting.
During heat treatment, potatoes lose most of the nutrients, therefore, in their raw form, their benefits for the body are much greater. But, not everyone can eat a vegetable raw, because it is a very heavy food. Fresh is absorbed much faster.
Benefit for health
Good for the bones
Eating raw potatoes is an excellent prevention of osteoporosis. Fe, P, Ca, Mg, Zn participate in the construction of bone tissue and maintain its strength. Fe and Zn help to synthesize proteins and form collagens.
The minerals found in raw potatoes help maintain optimal blood pressure and lower blood pressure. The high coarse fiber content helps lower blood cholesterol levels, which is an excellent prevention of cardiovascular disease. Raw potatoes are indicated for use with vegetative dystonia.
Potatoes contain a substance such as choline. It is a universal nutritional component that helps to improve sleep, maintains the tone of cell membrane structures. It also plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses. Helps absorb and break down fats and relieves inflammation.
Often fresh potatoes are recommended to drink for constipation. The high fiber content helps to gently tackle delicate problems and improve stool. For the human body, antioxidants are a source of youth.The increased content of vitamin C with regular use of the juice helps to eliminate wrinkles and improve the texture of the dermis.
For women
Potato juice is often used to treat the appendages and ovaries, for inflammation and erosion of the cervix. The juice is used to wet the tampons. It is also recommended to drink 200 ml of freshly squeezed potato juice before meals. This will help get rid of many female problems and improve the condition of the skin.
Also, the juice is used to treat fibroids. By consuming 0.5 cups of fresh pink potato juice, you can avoid surgical intervention in the early stages of the disease.
Men
As a result of constant physical activity, many men develop hemorrhoids. In such cases, fresh potato is the most inexpensive and safest treatment. Naturally, juice treatment will have an effect only in the early stages of the disease.
A small candle is prepared from the potatoes and put on all night or juice is injected using a syringe before bedtime. You can make compresses from potato pulp at any time of the day, while limiting movement.
For children
Potatoes are useful not only for adults, but also for children. In boiled form, they begin to give it to babies in the form of complementary foods from 6 months. Root vegetables are a hypoallergenic vegetable that perfectly nourishes and saturates the baby's body with vitamins, micro- and macroelements necessary for his development.
Also, potato juice lotions are made for burns or cuts in order to disinfect the wound and speed up healing. During adolescence, children are often diagnosed with gastritis. Heartburn and high acidity can be overcome and get rid of these unpleasant symptoms for a long time by using fresh potato juice along with carrot juice.
For pregnant
Raw potatoes are very useful for women during pregnancy. It contains folic acid, which is so important for the formation of the systems and organs of the fetus. Often, pregnant women experience heartburn, which is also easy to eliminate with regular use of potato juice.
Potassium reduces puffiness and helps to effectively remove excess fluid from the body, preventing its re-accumulation. In case of anemia, it is recommended to take 100 g of fresh juice 2-3 times a day for a month. In case of disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system, it is recommended to take 100 ml of fresh juice on an empty stomach every morning for a month.
Energy value
Valuable vegetable
One medium potato, weighing 80-150 g, contains:
- 160 calories
- 0.3 g fat;
- 38 g carbohydrates;
- 4.7 g fiber;
- 4.2 grams of protein.
Raw potatoes contain alpha lipoic acid. It is involved in the regulation of blood glucose levels and is a powerful antioxidant. The quercitin and flavonoids in the peel have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. These components protect cells from free radical damage.
The harm of raw potatoes
The benefits of raw potatoes for the human body are unconditional, but, like any remedy, it has its own contraindications and can harm your body. Fresh potatoes will cause irreparable harm in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by a reduced release of hydrochloric acid. For all the benefits of raw potatoes, fresh potatoes can have the exact opposite effect when used with green or sprouted tubers.
Green potatoes are saturated with solanine, a poisonous substance that can provoke serious disorders in the functioning of systems and organs. When using fresh such tubers, the following can be observed:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- perialgia;
- disorientation;
- dizziness;
- diarrhea;
- increased body temperature.
Fresh potatoes are strictly forbidden to use in case of gastrointestinal disorders with low acidity, in the acute period of pancreatitis, in diabetes mellitus, in case of allergic reactions and individual intolerance.Also, the vegetable is contraindicated in obese people, due to the increased calorie content.
How to choose potatoes
In order to get the most out of potatoes, you need to learn how to choose the right potatoes. The tubers should be smooth, with a uniform structure and no visible damage. If you buy potatoes from a store or from farmers, it is best to opt for unwashed tubers. Washing removes the protective coating from the skin and the tubers deteriorate faster.
You can check the nitrate content of potato tubers by cutting them. With a normal content of nitrogenous compounds, the pulp does not darken for up to half an hour, with increased content - a dark crust appears in literally 2 minutes. It is important to remember that after purchase, the tubers should be stored at a temperature of 2-6 ℃ and a relative humidity of 70-80%. As the temperature drops, the starch in the potato begins to crystallize and is converted into sugar.
Sunlight on the tubers triggers the production of solanine. Throw away green tubers. Do not store potatoes next to onions. The vegetable produces a gas that causes potatoes to rot.
Final part
Raw potatoes can do many good things, and in the same way cause irreparable harm to the human body if used improperly. Potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals. A number of useful substances help to get rid of many diseases at the initial stage. The vitamin-mineral complex contained in potatoes has a beneficial effect on the work of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Most of the nutrients are contained in the peel, so it is recommended to cook and consume it only in uniform.
At the same time, potatoes are very high in calories, so they should not be eaten daily. When cooked, only young potatoes are useful. It is forbidden to use fresh potato from sprouted or green tubers.