Potatoes are one of the most popular root vegetables available worldwide and throughout the year. They are quite cheap to grow and very rich in nutrients.
But do you know that eating the skin or peels of potatoes can provide you more fiber, proteins, minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals than just consuming the whole potato..
The skin of a potato gives you a good amount of fibre. Fibre is helpful in keeping metabolism in control besides lowering the risk of colon cancer, heart disease & type 2 diabetes.
Below are other health benefits of potato peels:
1. Anti-allergy & immunity benefits
Potato peels are a natural source of flavonoids, a type of phytonutrient that shows anti-inflammatory & antioxidant effects, which protect your body against infection and disease.
2. Manages blood pressure
Potato skin or peels also help in keeping your heart functioning properly. If you eat the skin of organic potato then it will help you manage your blood pressure naturally via its minerals – potassium, magnesium & calcium.
3. Potato peels for skin care
Potato peel is very good for skin problems. You can use them to get rid of dark circles, for whitening your skin, treat acne, blackheads & whiteheads and also reduce excessive oil. All you need to do is apply some potato juice with the help of a cotton ball over the affected area. Keep it for 15-20 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water.
4. Potato peels for hair care
Potato skins can help you add shine and luster to hairs & also help them to grow faster. Apply potato peel juice on your scalp and gently massage for 5 to 10 minutes. Leave it for another 15 minutes before you rinse it off with normal water.
5. Good for your bones
Potato peels have certain minerals that are essential for maintenance of your bone structure & strength. These nutrients include iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, copper and zinc. About 50-60% of the magnesium in your body resides in the bones. Consuming potato skin can help in maintaining the bone density and could also reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women after menopause, according to experts.
6. Used for making compost
You can add more nutritional goodness to your indoor pot plants & garden with the help of this kitchen waste. As potato skins have high nutritional value you can use them as manure or compost and fertilize the soil.
7. Scrubbing & polishing
Potato peels or wastes can also be used for scrubbing and polishing your silverware. Not only stains, the acids in potato juice can actually dissolve corrosion or rust too.
