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Don't throw away potato peels, they have more benefits than the vegetable itself

Don't throw away potato peels, they have more benefits than the vegetable itself

Dispensing potato peels into the garbage bin is not a good deed! Read to know the surprising health and beauty benefits it provides.

Written by Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti |Updated : December 10, 2014 2:40 PM IST

Like many others, do you also throw potato peels into the garbage bin? If yes, then you are actually disposing off a large number of healthy ingredients. Well-known for its disease-fighting abilities, the skin of potatoes is far more beneficial to health and beauty than the vegetable itself. Read about health benefits of potato.

For health

Helps in weight loss

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We all know that potatoes are rich in carbohydrates that play a key role in improving your weight. However, potato peels contain minimal amount of fat, cholesterol and sodium. This is the reason, why aloo skin can be an interesting part of your weight-loss diet plan. Read about 10 foods that aid in weight loss.

Boosts immunity

Being a powerhouse of vitamin C, potato skin acts as a potent antioxidant agent. Apart from this, the peels contain B-complex vitamin and calcium that play an integral part of a healthy defense system and enhance the immune activity.

Protects against cancer

Potato skin is rich in phytochemicals that possess powerful antioxidant activity. In addition to this, it also contains high amounts of chlorogenic acid that binds with carcinogen (cancer causing compound) and thus, protects the body against cancer. Here are 10 dietary changes to prevent cancer.

Lowers blood cholesterol

The high fibre content coupled with antioxidants, polyphenols and glycoalkaloids is found to induce cholesterol-lowering effects on the body. Hence, people planning to reap the health benefits of potato peel should consume unpeeled potatoes in their meal.

Lowers risk of heart disease

As potato peels are loaded with potassium, an important and essential mineral, consuming them lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is because, potassium plays a key role in lowering blood pressure and maintaining a healthy heart. Another heart-healthy nutrient present in potato skin are omega-3 fatty acids. Read more about omega-3 fatty acids why you need them.

Maintains blood sugar levels

Do you suffer from hunger pangs? Then, adding potato peels to your meals is the apt measure to cut down mindless eating. Apart from being high in fibre content, the skin of potato contains essential nutrients that prevent surging of blood sugar levels in the body. The long-term effect of eating potato peels includes prevention of type 2 diabetes and its associated risk factors like heart disease.

For beauty

Good against skin burns

One effective, yet simple, home remedy to heal skin burns is potato peels. In addition to acting as a potent antibacterial agent, they also moisturise the skin and work better than conventional dressings against minor burns.

Acts as natural hair colouring agent

Not many people are aware about the amazing property of potato peel to hide gray hair strands. The skin contains numerous essential nutrients that help in providing a natural look and colour to your hair. Here is how you can prepare potato peel rise to get rid of grey hair.

Lightens dark spots

Potato peel contains antibacterial, phenolic and antioxidant compounds that exert mild bleaching action. All you need to do is rub freshly peeled potato skin over dark spots, including dark circles and sun tan. Do this on a regular basis to reap its skin-lightening properties.

Image Source: Getty Images


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References:

  1. Bushway, R.J.; Bureau, J.L.; McGann, D.F. 1983: -Chaconine and - solanine content of potato peels and potato peel products. Journal of Food Science 48: 84-86
  2. Camire, M.E.; Zhao, J.; Dougherty, M.P.; Bushway, R.J. 1995: In vitro binding of benzo[ ]pyrene by extruded potato peel. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 43: 970-973.
  3. Lazarov, K.; Werman, M.J. 1996: Hypocholesterolaemic effect of potato peel as a dietary fiber source. Medical Science Research 24: 581-582.
  4. Onyeneho, S.N.; Hettiarachchy, N.S. 1993: Antioxidant activity, fatty acids and phenolic acids compositions of potato peels. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 62: 345-350.
  5. Rodriguez de Sotillo, D.; Hadley, M.; Wolf-Hall, C. 1998: Potato peel extracts a nonmutagenic antioxidant with potential antimicrobial activity. Journal of Food Science 63: 907-910.