Nutritional Benefits of Potato and Health Benefits

Potato has very good nutritional and health benefits. It is an important part of our diet. It is grown across the world. In fact potato is the fourth largest crop in the world. Potato contains abundance of dietary fiber.

Potato Benefits for Nutrition and Health   

Vitamin C

Potato is rich in vitamin C.  The high iron content of potato helps the body to absorb vitamin C better. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which has anti-aging properties. It is also rich in iron and copper. Iron helps to maintain hemoglobin levels in the blood. Lack of iron would result in anemia and lack of energy. Both copper and iron are essential for red blood cells. 

Potatoes

Potatoes and Weight Gain

Potatoes may lead to weight gain. According to research results published in New England journal of medicine, potatoes are calorie dense. Mashed, boiled and baked potatoes may lead to weight gain. French fries and potato chips can lead to even greater weight gain. Potatoes do not contain fat. 

Blood Pressure

Potatoes are rich in potassium. They help to neutralize the effects of sodium in the body. They also contain magnesium. Magnesium promotes blood flow. These two minerals can help to keep the blood pressure under control

Potatoes for Skin

Potatoes have properties that can bleach the skin and lighten your complexion. They can also reduce the pigmentation and other blemishes of the skin. Potato slices can be rubbed to the skin. Potato juice can be applied to the skin and washed off next morning.  Raw potato contains minerals like potassium, phosphorous and sulphur. It is highly effective for skin care as it is an antioxidant and contains vitamins.  Its antibacterial properties can help to get rid of pimples, acne and blackheads. It can also get rid of warts. It is also an effective remedy for dark circles under the eyes.  Rubbing a potato slice on the skin can help to get rid of excess oil. 

Digestion

Potatoes are easy to digest as they are rich in carbohydrates. So they can be included in diet for people suffering from diarrhea. 

Inflammation

Potatoes are a very good remedy for inflammation of the intestines and digestive system as they are easily digestible. They are also good for mouth ulcers.

These are some of the important nutritional and health benefits of potatoes. 

Health Benefits of Grapefruit: Weight Loss: Diabetes

Grapefruit may not be liked by everyone because of its bitter sour taste. But it is highly nutritious and has a variety of health benefits. Grapefruit contains very low amounts of fat, cholesterol and sodium. Grapefruit juice is very good for the heart. It helps to keep the skin healthy and lowers the cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It also aids weight loss. It is highly beneficial to drink a glass of grapefruit juice twice a day along with breakfast and dinner.

Grape Fruit

Source: Wikimedia Commons: Aleph

Grapefruit Nutrition Facts

Health benefits of grapefruit include its very high nutritional value. It contains

- Vitamin A, C and B5

- Folate

- Calcium

- Dietary fiber

- Antioxidants like lycopene

- Phytochemicals

Grapefruit for Weight loss

Grapefruit has a fat burning enzyme which helps to promote weight loss. It helps to reduce the starch and fat content in the body. It is very low in calories. It is a very good source of vitamin C and potassium. It is said to be a high volume food as it has high fiber and water content. As a high volume, low calorie food, it will lessen your appetite without adding too many calories. It helps to increase insulin resistance. Higher levels of insulin make the body to store excess glucose as fat. Grapefruit helps to keep the blood sugar levels stable and reduce levels of the release of insulin. This helps you to lose weight.

Grape Fruit for Diabetes

Grapefruit helps to flush out excess sugar and starch from the body. It contains certain enzymes that reduce the levels of sugar in the blood. It also has abundance of dietary fiber and low content of carbohydrates. For people with a family history of diabetes, it helps to prevent or at least postpone the advent of the disease.

Immune System

Grapefruit helps to strengthen the immune system. Regular intake of grapefruit juice help to fight a variety of infections. It is very effective against cold and fever. Drinking grapefruit juice helps you to get rid of cough and throat infection

For Digestion

Grapefruit helps to strengthen the digestive system. Its fibre content helps to prevent constipation and improve bowel movement. Grapefruit juice has alkaline properties. It is an excellent remedy for acidity.

 For Fatigue

A glass of grapefruit juice helps to get rid of fatigue. It also helps to rid insomnia. Grapefruit juice before going to bed helps you to sleep better and overcomes insomnia.

 For Atherosclerosis

Grape fruit contains pectin fiber which will help to prevent or slow down atherosclerosis. It helps to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). It will also lower the levels of triglycerides which is a fat, linked to heart disease. It has very high antioxidant content.

Other Health Benefits

- It is an effective drug poison eliminator

- Offers protection against cancer

- Fights against urinary problems and acidity

- Acts as a natural antiseptic for external wounds

- Aids bowel action

- It contains natural quinine which helps to treat malaria.

These are some of the health benefits of grapefruit.