Potatoes can help people shed the pounds, a study has revealed. The study, carried out by Pennington Research Centre in Louisiana, found that replacing meat with lower calorie spuds can boost weight loss “with little effort”. However, weight loss isn’t the only benefit you can get from this vegetable. We reveal other amazing benefits you can get from the humble potato.
Banishes Acne
If acne still plagues you as an adult, then look to potatoes, as both scientists and Tiktokers agree they may be the answer to your problems.
Tiktok skin-fluencers swear that taping potatoes onto pimples helps bring down big cystic spots because they are rich in vitamins and nutrients beneficial to the skin.
And this theory is backed by scientists. A study published by the National Library of Medicine, National Centre for Biotechnology Information found that the azelaic acid and cytokine found in potatoes inhibits pimple formation. Dermatopathologist Gretchen Frieling also says the starch in potatoes soothes inflammation and absorbs oil, the Vitamin C contained minimises the risk of developing dark spots, and the catecholase in potatoes brightens skin and eliminates dark spots.
Increases Sex Drive And Fertility
Do you wish your partner was better at sex? Or maybe you plan to have a baby soon and are looking for natural ways to boost your fertility. Look no further than the vegetable aisle in your local supermarket.
Sweet potatoes are full of antioxidants, vitamin C and folic acid which all support sexual reproduction. They are also rich in potassium, known to combat high blood pressure, a condition which can result on a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.
Sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene, providing the body with plenty of vitamin A, which helps to boost fertility by promoting better cervical fluid.
Reduces Hair Loss
Losing your hair can be especially distressing and hair loss can not only affect confidence but can have a negative effect on mental health. Across the UK, over 15.4 million people are suffering with hair loss at any one point and it’s estimated that excess hair loss and hair thinning affects 50% of women by 50.
However, washing your hair by adding potato juice to your hair and rinsing off after 20 minutes can help you escape being part of this statistic. According to hair & beauty experts, using potato juice regularly will restore collagen, which is required for the proper growth of hair strands.
They note it can also boost shine and prevent dandruff.
Prevents Wrinkles
Are you worried about wrinkles and dry skin? Worry no more. You don’t have to buy expensive creams to fight the signs of ageing in your face. Just buy some potatoes from the supermarket.
Nutrients such as Vitamins C and B6, potassium and flavonoids in potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To get rid of wrinkles, apply potato juice or finely mashed raw potato paste on the skin. Rinse off after 15-20 minutes.
Vitamin C works as an antioxidant to help prevent damage caused by the sun, pollution, and smoke. It also stimulates collagen production, helping to smooth wrinkles and improve overall skin texture.
Boosts Happiness
In 2021, the UK slipped from number 13 to 18 on the list of the top 20 happiest countries in the world. And the cost of living crisis has no doubt dragged us further down. While potatoes are definitely not the solution, they may help with short term happiness.
Richard Wurtman, professor at MIT and the director of the Clinical Research Center, along with former graduate student John Fernstrom discovered that the brain makes serotonin only after a person consumes sweet or starchy carbohydrates like potatoes. However, take note – research says potatoes must be eaten in combination with very little or no protein to achieve the desired result.
Helps You Sleep
Do you often find it hard to fall asleep? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that insomnia now affects 40% of adults. But eating potatoes can help you drift off.
Tryptophan, an amino acid, which is naturally found in potatoes, is a natural sedative that ensures a good and peaceful sleep. Additionally, the potassium in potatoes acts as a muscle relaxant, which will not only help you fall asleep easier but will further ensure a more restful sleep and relaxation.
So next time you find yourself counting sheep, just go eat some potatoes.
Helps Prevent Cancer
Unfortunately, scientists haven’t yet come up with cancer cures.
However, Vitamin C, contained in potatoes has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and is thought to work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis (cell death). Folate, or Vitamin B9, in potatoes plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair and so prevents many types of cancer cells from forming.
Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant which can help prevent cellular damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Fiber intake from fruits and vegetables like potatoes are also associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer.
Treats Diarrhoea
If you unfortunately find yourself having to go to the toilet too often, you may find yourself a cure in the form of the humble spud.
Potatoes contain essential nutrients like zinc, which can be very effective in preventing diarrhoea. Medical research organisation Cochrane found that zinc supplementation could help reduce the duration and the severity of diarrhoea. This means that eating foods rich in zinc, such as potatoes could prevent acute diarrhoea, which can last for three to five days
Improves Brain Functions
Do you find yourself often forgetting things? Maybe you’re in the middle of a conversation and forget your words. Or you walk into a room and forget why you went there in the first place.
If these happen often, eat some potatoes. The high amounts of copper and iron help to boost brain activity. Manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6 and C assist in brain functions while the nerve centres in the brain respond positively to the fatty acids and amino acids found in potatoes.
To take full advantage of the memory improving benefits, eat baked potatoes skin and all without salt.
SophisticateQueen 