Last updated on November 8th, 2021 at 05:29 am
Potatoes are a major hit in our house, even though the nay-sayers will throw words like carbohydrates and starch around like that is the only things to blame for weight gain or blood sugar imbalances.
There are so many different colors of potatoes, ranging from white, purple, and red. They all of course have their own beautiful nutrients, so we love to rotate all the colors around.
Potatoes are actually an exceptionally good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, B-vitamins, copper, manganese, tryptophan, and lutein. These nourishing beauties have an alkaline nature that supports detoxification, and also helps the body to balance excess acidity. Potatoes can play a role in reducing inflammation, as well as the pain from ulcers. Potatoes encourage healthy blood circulation, and the skins contain chlorogenic acid which helps prevent cell mutation.
Did you know potatoes are a natural sedative? How cool is that?
What are potatoes good for?
Reducing Inflammation
Potatoes are alkalizing and anti-inflammatory, those properties make them soothing to ulcers. They may also help to reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis.
High Blood Pressure
Potatoes have a high concentration of chlorogenic acid and anthocyanins, these are chemicals that can help lower blood pressure. Purple potatoes also have polyphenols that can be very helpful.
Calming The Nerves
Potatoes contain tryptophan which is an amino acid with natural sedative properties.
What about all the colors?
White Potatoes
White potatoes contain tryptophan (an amino acid) which is a natural sedative and therefore a great choice if you are feeling stressed out.
Red Potatoes
The skin of red potatoes contains anthocyanins (an antioxidant) which is great for the heart.
Purple Potatoes
Purple potatoes are eaten to lose weight in Korea.
How to get the most out of a potato?
♦ Use the juice – drinking potato juice is a quick and effective way to get all the anti-inflammatory properties of potatoes.
♦ Eat the skins – the skin of potatoes contain many nutrients, so it is important to keep the skin on, especially when boiling the potatoes to preserve the nutrients.
♦ Don’t buy already washed potatoes – the washing process destroys the potato’s natural protective coating, therefore making them more vulnerable to bacteria and decay.
♦ Choose organic – choosing organic potatoes ensures that the skins are free from harmful pesticides.
I would like to mention that eating french fries from a fast food joint, isn’t the same as eating a potato – you will not reap the same benefits, as french fries are cooking in vegetable oils that are not conducive to good health.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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