Potatoes are may primarily be made of carbohydrates and contain protein and are low on fats, according to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. When they team up with foods like cheese, butter or cream, it may make them an ideal diet for people who want to put on weight. The vitamin content may include vitamin C and B-complex, which might also help in the proper absorption of carbohydrates. That might be one of the reasons that potatoes make up a large part of the diet of sumo wrestlers, as well as many other athletes who need large energy reserves in order to compete

May Be Easy to Digest

Since potatoes may predominantly contain carbohydrates, they are easy to digest and they may also facilitate digestion. This property might make them a good diet for babies or for those who cannot digest hard food, but need energy. However, remember that eating too many of them on a regular basis may cause acidity over time.

May Be High in Fiber

Potatoes may also contain a considerable amount of fiber or roughage. This may stimulate peristaltic motion and increase secretion of gastric juices, which eases digestion and prevents conditions like constipation. The vegetable may also protect the body from serious conditions like colorectal cancer due to its high fiber content.

May Aid In Skin Care

Vitamins C and B-complex, as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, may be good for the skin. Apart from that, the pulp obtained from crushed raw potatoes, when mixed with honey, may work well in skin and face packs. This might even help with pimples and spots on the skin.

May Help Treat Scurvy

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that potatoes may have high levels of vitamin C and carotenoid. Scurvy is a condition caused by the deficiency of vitamin C. A 2012 paper published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology highlights that potatoes might have been one of the primary sources of vitamin C in Ireland around the time of the Irish potato famine.

May Reduce Inflammation

Potatoes may be very effective in reducing inflammation, both internal and external, according to a research paper. Since they are soft, easily digested, and may have a lot of vitamin C (a very good antioxidant that repairs tissue wear and tear), potassium, and vitamin B6, they may relieve any inflammation in the intestines and the digestive system.

They might be a very good dietary element for those who have mouth ulcers as well. Therefore, people who suffer from arthritis and gout may use potatoes for their anti-inflammatory impact. However, this humble vegetable may cause weight gain, which exacerbates these conditions, and are commonly eaten with meat and other rich foods that make gout worse. Therefore, a fine balance must be struck.

May Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can occur for a number of reasons including diabetes, stress, being overweight or obese, indigestion, and poor dietary choices. Potatoes may help alleviate multiple possible causes and can be used to relieve high blood pressure due to stress. Also, the fiber present in them may prove to be helpful in lowering cholesterol. Furthermore, the potassium found in potatoes (46% of daily requirement per serving) might lower blood pressure since it functions as a vasodilator.

May Better Brain Health

Proper functioning of the brain may depend largely on the glucose level, oxygen supply, various components of the vitamin-B complex, and certain hormones, amino acids and fatty acids like omega-3. Potatoes may cater to almost all the needs mentioned above. They may be high in carbohydrates, and thereby might promote a good level of glucose in the blood in those without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Next, the brain needs oxygen, which is carried by the hemoglobin in the blood; its main constituent is iron. Potatoes may contain iron as well. Therefore, they might help deliver oxygen to the brain. There may also be a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in potatoes that may positively affect the function of the brain, including phosphorus, zinc, and the B complex vitamins. The vasodilating properties of potassium may also have been connected to the stimulation of brain function due to increased blood flow to it.

May Prevent Heart Diseases

Apart from the vitamins (B-complex and C), minerals, and roughage, potatoes may also contain certain substances called carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin). Carotenoids may be beneficial for heart health and the functioning of other internal organs. Again, since potatoes might raise the glucose level in the blood and their over-consumption may cause obesity, which puts pressure on your heart, you must be careful about how often you use potatoes for this health benefit.

May Help Treat Diarrhea

Potatoes may be an excellent component of an energy-rich diet for those suffering from diarrhea since they might be easy to digest and contain mild roughage. However, eating too much of it may cause diarrhea due to the excessive ingestion of starch.

Does Potato Reduce the Risk of Cancer?

Certain types of potatoes, particularly red and russet ones, may contain high levels of flavonoid antioxidants and vitamin A, like zeaxanthin and carotenes, and they may possibly protect you against many types of cancer. Also, a study at the Agricultural Research has shown that potatoes may contain a compound called quercetin, which has been proven to have anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties.

However, a recent study published in Nutrition and Cancer suggests that a high intake of potato may increase the risk of colorectal cancer and colon cancer.