Hello, dear readers. Today we will talk about what is loved by many, almost the main type of food for the Slavs. Potatoes, a root crop from the nightshade family, came to Russia from South America during the reign of Peter I. The root crop took root well in northern latitudes, receiving the name “second bread”, since potatoes are not inferior in calorie content to grains (they contain a large amount of starch). However, this nutritious product, due to its chemical composition, has gained recognition in folk medicine. Potato juice acts as an anti-inflammatory property, normalizes metabolism, and cleanses the intestines of toxins and radionuclides. Potato juice is used to treat diseases of the stomach, pancreas and intestines (heartburn, ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis). However, in order to properly use this product while preserving the beneficial substances, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its medicinal properties and contraindications.
“Pitfalls”: acrylamide and solanine
Potatoes not only contain valuable ingredients that provide their medicinal properties and countless culinary options, but also 2 potentially dangerous substances - carcinogenic acrylamide and toxic solanine.
Acrylamide is produced in foods rich in carbohydrates at high temperatures (above 120°C), so its content in the root vegetable is eliminated by heat treatment.
The toxic alkaloid solanine contains mainly the above-ground green part of the plant, the green peel (a root vegetable that has turned green in the sun), eyes and sprouts. Solanine naturally protects the plant from pests, but it is toxic to humans.
So is it possible to eat raw potatoes? To provide benefits to the body and prevent harm, follow some rules that guide fans of a healthy lifestyle. Choose your tubers carefully: do not buy green or sprouted roots.
Also, traditional medicine does not recommend consuming it raw in the spring months, when it tends to germinate and the solanine content is higher. At this time, it is better to prepare heat-treated dishes from potatoes.
Contraindications
Not everyone is allowed to eat raw potatoes. It is prohibited for certain diseases when the product can cause harm. It should not be eaten if:
diabetes;
venereal diseases;
slagging of the body;
obesity;
gastritis and stomach ulcers with low acidity.
Children are allowed to eat raw potatoes if they are not allergic. If a negative reaction occurs in the form of a rash, then such a product should be removed from the diet.
Active substances
Potatoes contain almost 80% water. In addition, it is rich in nutritious starches and contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6. It contains 4 times more vitamin C than apples and pears. The raw root vegetable is a unique, extremely rich source of minerals and trace elements. It contains:
- potassium;
- magnesium;
- zinc;
- calcium;
- phosphorus;
- iron;
- copper;
- fluorine;
- sodium;
- chrome and others.
It also contains specific plant substances, in particular phenolic acid, which counteracts harmful bacteria and viruses.
In addition, raw potatoes have a relatively low glycemic index, unlike boiled or baked ones (GI = 50). This is an average figure, therefore the root vegetable can be a good helper in maintaining a slim figure.
How to use?
In folk medicine, raw potatoes are used in grated form, and their juice is used. Some recipes involve soaking the root vegetable in water overnight.
Juice
Potato juice is most often used for stomach and intestinal problems. The liquid helps treat stomach ulcers and heal intestinal inflammation. For this purpose, it is recommended to drink it 3 times a day, 100 ml. The root vegetable contains a lot of potassium, so regularly drinking the juice leads to a slight decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, hypotensive patients should be careful when using it.
Also, potato juice is not suitable for people with excess potassium; contraindications also include kidney disease. But the healthy liquid can be used as a rinse.
Its anti-inflammatory effect helps treat oral ulcers and periodontal disease. You can make a strengthening drink from it to support the immune system by mixing it with red beetroot and lemon juice (equal quantities).
Grated potatoes
Grated potatoes are suitable for the treatment of various types of eczema, acne, and are used as a moisturizing face mask with a lifting effect. It is applied for 25 minutes. Potatoes are effective for burns. For treatment, compresses should be applied at least 3 times a week.
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Traditional medicine also recommends eating raw grated potatoes in the morning on an empty stomach for irritated stomach and intestines. In some cases, the product relieves chronic inflammation. Thus, patients with Crohn's disease should not stay away and try treatment with either juice or raw grated potatoes.
Using grated potatoes for the stomach is a therapeutic method of herbalist Vitaly Ostrovsky. He advises using a root vegetable with a red skin and a yellow center. Grate it and consume 1/2 cup on an empty stomach.
Don't chew, just swallow! According to V. Ostrovsky, this method of treatment helps eliminate stomach ulcers and cleanses the body of toxins.
Can children eat raw potatoes? The question is relevant, because many children eat tubers like apples... According to experts, if a child reaches for raw root vegetables, this indicates a lack of certain vitamins and minerals. Childhood is not a contraindication to eating potatoes that have not undergone heat treatment, but you should not give your child too much of it. If your baby doesn’t want to eat it (or drink juice), don’t force it - the child’s body does not require cleansing or detoxification, and the taste of a natural product is not so attractive...
The benefits of raw potatoes for the stomach
Potato juice is a well-known quick remedy for heartburn. The main substance of the potato tuber - starch - has anti-inflammatory and protective properties, envelops the mucous membrane, and potassium restores the normal pH of gastric juice. Magnesium has an antispasmodic effect, that is, it reduces and normalizes the activity of the smooth muscles of the walls of the stomach and blood vessels, and relieves spasms.
Potato juice is useful for preventing stomach diseases: it normalizes the high level of acid during food digestion, that is, it eliminates the cause of heartburn, frequent attacks of which are the main signal of possible gastritis. It is also recommended to drink a potato drink daily for stomach ulcers: it relieves symptoms and improves the condition, and can completely cure the disease. A potato drink is used for pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Pancreatitis is associated with disruption of the normal functioning of the pancreas due to trauma and injury to the abdominal cavity, unhealthy lifestyle (alcohol, smoking, poor diet), diseases of the circulatory system, metabolic disorders and hereditary predisposition.
If pancreatitis is ignored and untimely treatment, complications can lead to the development of cholecystitis - inflammation of the gallbladder. Magnesium, potassium, sodium, niacin, riboflavin and folic acid help normalize metabolism, enzyme production, amino acid synthesis and eliminate the first signs of pancreatitis, normalize the functioning of the stomach and pancreas. The work of the muscles of the heart and blood vessels improves, the composition of the blood and the circulatory process are normalized under the influence of iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium present in potato roots. Vitamin K also promotes protein synthesis and ensures coagulation - blood clotting. Lotions and compresses with potato juice can heal wounds, cracks, relieve itching, irritation and improve the condition of the epidermis. Potato compresses, enemas, and suppositories are effective for hemorrhoids. Starch envelops the mucous membrane, and vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and reduces bleeding.
Storage
There are several possibilities for storing raw peeled potatoes. It can be filled with cold water until completely covered and placed in the refrigerator. This method is suitable for storage for no more than 4 hours, because... water-soluble vitamins leach into water.
The next method is scalding the root vegetable with boiling water. After processing it lasts longer. But this procedure leads to the destruction of important enzymes located in the upper layers of the tuber. In addition, it acquires an unusual taste.
Is it possible to freeze tubers? Yes. Moreover, freezing is the best option for storage. When frozen, almost all valuable substances are preserved. Store the root vegetable in the freezer for no more than a day.
Skin Benefits
Many people have already experienced the positive effects of using raw potatoes to cleanse the skin and fight inflammation, so we are talking about a proven cosmetic product. What does the product treat and how does it work? Due to what properties is it used in cosmetology?
- Raw potatoes cleanse the skin well, accelerate the healing of acne, and help eliminate blackheads.
- The root vegetable calms inflammation after various injuries, burns, and cuts.
- Antibacterial properties are the main factor in eliminating warts.
- The juice is used to cleanse oily skin and eliminate shine.
- The α-lipoic acid contained in the tuber eliminates fine wrinkles and other signs associated with aging. For example, rubbing your face with a cut root vegetable at night will help get rid of rosacea on your face.
The most common way to use the tuber for cosmetic purposes is to grate it. The masks are applied for 15-20 minutes, rinsed with warm water. Frequency of use – 1 time per week.
For oily skin
Apply the puree to your face for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with a solution of water and apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon of vinegar per 1/2 liter of water).
For dry skin
A mask for dry skin includes grated root vegetables, cucumber, egg yolk, white yogurt (in the amount necessary to form a paste).
For acne and for the skin around the eyes
To get rid of acne, peel raw potatoes, cut them into thin slices, which you apply directly to the acne. The goal of this therapy is to provide prolonged exposure to the active substances of the root vegetable on the affected areas. Therefore, after application, lie down for half an hour and leave the product to act.
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The same application is recommended for the skin around the eyes - apply slices for 15 minutes. You can also grate the tuber, mix it with a small amount of almond oil, and apply it to the area around the eyes. Use the mask for your eyelids as well. Be careful not to let the mask get into your eyes!
Tonic
Squeeze the liquid out of peeled raw potatoes. Place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Use to wipe your face 1-2 times a day with a cotton pad. This homemade toner is a worthy competitor to commercial skin cleansing products. It effectively removes excess fat, dirt, bacteria from the surface of the skin, leaving a feeling of freshness.
For smooth hands
This recipe is suitable not only for women, but also for men, whose hands require no less attention, especially when engaged in physical work. Grate 1 root vegetable, add the juice of 1 orange and coffee grounds after drinking a cup of coffee. Rub your hands with the mixture for 10 minutes.
Wrinkles
Mix puree, honey, olive oil (2:2:1), apply the mixture to your face. This face mask will help get rid of wrinkles and give your skin a healthy look.
Bags under the eyes
Wrap the grated tuber paste in cotton or gauze, forming bags that are applied to the eyes. You can secure the bags against bruises under the eyes with a bandage. Leave for 30 minutes. Before the procedure, make yourself comfortable, turn on music so as not to get bored. You can alternate applying potatoes for bags under the eyes with black tea bags.
Dark spots
Grind 1-2 potatoes in a blender or grate. Add juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 tsp. turmeric (all products help get rid of age spots). Apply the mixture to your face.
Hair Benefits
In addition to providing healthy skin, potatoes, when combined with other ingredients, can be used for hair.
Hair strengthening
Mix the juice of 1 tuber with a whole egg, 3 drops of lemon juice and cottage cheese (quantity as needed to make a paste). Apply the mixture to your hair for 20-25 minutes. To rinse, use regular shampoo and warm water.
Use the mask once every 2 weeks.
From falling out
Mix potato juice, aloe vera and honey (2:2:1). Apply the mixture to the roots, massaging the scalp. Cover with a shower cap and towel and leave for 2 hours. Rinse with shampoo.
Use the mask 2 times a week.
Be careful!
In mild overdose, the toxic substances in the root vegetable can cause digestive problems such as cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the case of an allergy to raw potatoes, these symptoms are supplemented by a rash.
With a significant overdose of green tubers, the symptoms of poisoning will be more serious:
- diarrhea;
- dilated pupils;
- fever;
- hallucinations;
- headache;
- shock;
- hypothermia;
- slow breathing;
- abdominal pain;
- visual disturbances;
- vomit.
The speed at which symptoms of intoxication are eliminated depends on the amount of toxic substance consumed and the timeliness of medical care. Signs of poisoning may persist for 1-3 days. Hospitalization may be required.
Mushrooms
Everyone remembers the danger of the toadstool and fly agarics. Experienced mushroom pickers also know that there are conditionally edible mushrooms - for example, volushki, nigella, which are supposed to be soaked and then boiled, changing the water 2-3 times.
But few people know that even the common edible boletus can be dangerous - if it is old and wormy.
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It is extremely dangerous to eat old, overripe mushrooms that have already begun to fall apart. They form toxic substances, products of protein decomposition. They have a toxic effect on the human body and can cause severe poisoning.
