Potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables, both in India and worldwide. All thanks to potatoes, we have our beloved French fries, which is one of the human race’s favorite dishes. Although this dish is not as healthy as it should be, many other dishes with potatoes as ingredients are much healthier.
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You see potatoes in your curries, you see potatoes in your stews, street-side chaat, homemade pulao and biryani, you see potatoes everywhere. Potatoes are an indispensable part of Indian cooking and we aren't complaining!
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The many health and skin benefits of potatoes make the vegetable all the more special. Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, Potassium, fibre, B vitamins copper, tryptophan, manganese and even lutein.
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Here are some incredible health benefits of potatoes that you must know.
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Reducing Inflammation: Potatoes soothe stomach and duodenum ulcers and reduce stomach acidity. They may also relieve the inflammation associated with arthritis. Add potatoes to your diet, but remember that eating anything in excess is harmful. Moderation is the key.
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Regulates Blood Pressure: Potatoes can help ensure healthy BP. If prepared well (baked, mashed or tossed in salads), potatoes can help regulate blood pressure. Potatoes have about 100 calories, but its highly nutritious and it is only the way we cook potatoes that has given it a bad rep. It is great for people with high blood pressure and water retention because it balances high sodium levels. Potatoes are also rich in chlorogenic acid and anthocyanins, chemicals that help lower blood pressure.
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Helps Calm You Down: Especially its white flesh, is rich with tryptophan, an amino acid with natural sedative properties that helps calm the nerves. L-tryptophan is an amino acid. L-tryptophan is called an essential amino acid as our body can't make it naturally. It must be acquired from food like potatoes.
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Heart-Healing Properties: Potatoes have no cholesterol. It is only the oil and cholesterol laden ingredients it is cooked with that makes it a threat to the heart. Potatoes, in fact, could do wonders for your heart with its heart healing antioxidant anthocyanins. They also contain fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and B6 - all of which are great for heart health.
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Improve Brain Health: The alpha lipoic acid, a co enzyme present in the potatoes can help boost overall cognitive health. Experts have linked this acid to have beneficial effects on Alzheimer's patients as well. A number of vitamins and minerals present in potatoes positively affect the function of the brain (including zinc, phosphorus, and B complex). Vitamin B6 is particularly critical to maintaining neurological health.
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Help Promote Digestion: The high fibre content of potatoes aids smoother digestion. Fiber supports digestion and promotes bowel regularity by adding bulk to stool. Potatoes can also help quick recovery from diarrhoea. Potatoes are rich in potassium, a mineral that is excessively lost during diarrhoea.
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Promote Sleep: Tryptophan, which is naturally found in potatoes, is a natural sedative that ensures good sleep. Also, the potassium in potatoes acts as a muscle relaxant, which further ensures a more restful sleep and relaxation. Plus, it is a well-known fact that foods high in carbohydrates often inhibit regular sleeping patterns, especially in children.
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Relieve Premenstrual Symptoms: According to some studies, potato juice could help alleviate Premenstrual syndrome symptoms. The high carb content of potatoes, helps elevate the levels of tryptophan, which further boosts the serotonin production in the body (Serotonin is also called the happiness hormone). This spike in serotonin helps improve mood and reduces anxiety.
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Good for bones: Rich in calcium and phosphorus, potatoes help strengthen bones. The iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc present in potatoes all contribute to the building and maintenance of bone structure and strength. Zinc and iron play critical roles in the production and maturation of collagen. Potatoes have all these components.
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