Boiled potatoes: useful properties and contraindications

Potatoes came to our country relatively recently. In Russia, it has gained great popularity, and in the people it is called "second bread". Today potatoes are part of a variety of side dishes, soups, salads. Potatoes are used to make potato casseroles and ravioli. Such popularity is due not only to the fact that the vegetable helps to satisfy hunger quickly and for a long time, but also contains many useful substances.

Composition and Calories

The amount of substances and calories in potatoes depend on the variety, of which there are about 180. Also the composition is influenced by weather conditions, the type of soil in which it grows, storage conditions and other factors. The value of the potato lies in the fact that even when it is cooked it retains many of its nutrients.

Potatoes contain a host of vitamins, each of which are essential to the body and help support its function. Among them:

1. Vitamin A. Is a natural antioxidant. It helps to slow down the natural process of skin aging, is involved in the formation of new cells. It is thanks to him a woman can for a long time to preserve its youth and beauty. Vitamin A helps to maintain vision, strengthens the body's defenses.
2. Vitamin B1. It is thiamine, which is essential for the heart muscle and nervous system. In addition, it supports the digestive process, ensures muscle and bone growth.
3. Vitamin B2. Helps oxygen get into the bloodstream, from where it spreads throughout the body. The element helps the metabolic process, including protein compounds, carbohydrates and fats. Supports the functioning of the reproductive system.
4. Vitamin B4. In medicine, it is called choline. It is the main element in the transmission of nerve impulses. Its deficiency can lead to the development of a number of dangerous diseases. In addition, choline helps to improve memory, lower blood pressure, and slow down the contraction of the heart muscle in disorders.
5. Vitamin B5. Pantothenic acid takes part in metabolic processes, supports weight and activates hormone synthesis. The acid is used to treat arthritis, allergies, and heart muscle disease.
6. Vitamin B6. Essential for the metabolism of fats and proteins. Helps in the absorption of fatty acids and is involved in hematopoiesis. It also slows the aging process.
7. Vitamin B9. The state of the nervous system, mood and appetite depend on its amount in the body. It is necessary for the absorption of iron by the body. It takes part in the development of embryonic tissues.
8. Vitamin C. It is a well-known ascorbic acid. It protects against viruses, colds, and lowers the risk of cancer. Vitamin C ensures the formation of collagen, which is necessary for the youthfulness of the skin.
9. Vitamin E. Also has a positive effect on human immunity. It has antioxidant properties and supports tissue respiration, as a result of which the skin retains its youthfulness and beauty for a long time.
10. Vitamin K. It regulates blood clotting. It protects the body from the negative effects of salts, not allowing them to be deposited on the joints. Vitamin K also prevents the development of cancerous tumors on the prostate tissues.
11. Vitamin PP. Nicotinic acid provides microcirculation, dilates blood vessels and helps to eliminate tissue swelling.

Boiled potatoes also contain in varying amounts such substances as boron, iodine, lithium, sodium. The product is rich in phosphorus and potassium. It also contains zinc, selenium, iron and other trace elements, which take an active part in all the processes of the body, ensure its proper functioning and prevent the development of several diseases.

Thus boiled potatoes are a source of strength, energy, vitamins and trace elements.

The caloric value of the product depends on its variety, weather conditions during growth, type of soil and other factors. On average 100 grams of potatoes contain 510 kcal.

What are the benefits of boiled potatoes

General Benefits

The benefits of boiled potatoes for the body are invaluable. First of all, it helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, which has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system as a whole.

Also described below are the useful properties of boiled potatoes:

1. Controls blood cholesterol levels. It accumulates on the walls of blood vessels and reduces their lumen. This leads to a stroke or heart attack as a result of insufficient blood flow to the brain.
2. It has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Boiled potatoes have a coating effect and protect the mucosa of the digestive system from the negative effects of a number of factors.
3. Supports the kidneys due to certain vitamins and minerals.
4. It is an excellent remedy for diseases of the genitourinary system.
5. Helps to cope with the symptoms of arthritis and arthrosis.
6. It is used to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of colds, SARS and flu, when used for inhalations.

Boiled potatoes, among other things, are considered an excellent remedy for bronchitis. Thus, the product is valuable for the body and helps to cope even with certain diseases.

For women

Boiled potatoes are used by folk healers to treat gynecological diseases. Thanks to its properties, the product stops the inflammatory process and has a wound-healing effect. It has found its application in the treatment of inflammation of the appendages.

For women, boiled potatoes are of great benefit and in cosmetology. There are several recipes that are used to eliminate inflammatory rashes on the face, to combat freckles and various pigmented spots.

For men

Potatoes in boiled form are also useful for men. It contains substances that are essential in the fight against inflammatory diseases of the prostate and urinary tract.

It also has a positive effect on the digestive system, protecting the mucosa from irritants.

When pregnant

During the period of carrying a child, it is important for a mother-to-be to eat right. The product contains nicotinic acid, which, despite its name, has invaluable benefits. The substance is necessary to strengthen the placenta and to heal small wounds and cracks.

Boiled potatoes also contain folic acid. It is responsible for the development of the nervous system.

The consumption of potatoes helps to strengthen the heart of the mother, as it contains calcium and potassium, which are also actively involved in the formation of bone tissue of the child.

When breastfeeding

Boiled potatoes are also useful for lactation. But introduce the product into your diet with caution. An allergic reaction to the vegetable occurs in children in exceptional cases, but it is important to exercise caution.

Potatoes contain many micronutrients and vitamins, which are needed at this time not only the mother, but also the baby, as his body is actively growing.

For children

It is not for nothing that people call potatoes "second bread". It is useful and nutritious for the body, especially for children. Micronutrients in the composition help strengthen the bone and cardiovascular system, improve memory and immunity. The product can also be used to treat colds without the use of medicines.

Are potatoes in jacket useful

Many people wonder whether there are benefits of jacket potatoes. Experts say that it is the unpeeled potato that brings invaluable benefits. The thing is that in the peel is concentrated most of the useful trace elements and minerals.

Also, jacketed potatoes contain more antioxidants, which help to eliminate the signs of premature aging.

Regular consumption of the product can reduce the risk of cholesterol plaque formation. Thus, potatoes boiled with the peel are more valuable than regular potatoes.

The benefits of jacket potatoes:

• Has diuretic properties;
• improves kidney function;
• helps get rid of bronchitis;
• gets rid of runny nose, maxillary sinusitis.

In addition, the water in which the jacket potatoes were boiled can be used to water indoor plants.

Mashed potatoes: benefits and harms

Mashed potatoes are also useful for the body. It belongs to dietary dishes and is used for gastritis, peptic ulcer and other pathologies of the digestive system. Also, the dish contains a sufficient amount of potassium, which supports the nervous system and heart. Just 200 grams of mashed potatoes contains more than half the daily allowance of most nutrients.

But it is worth remembering that mashed potatoes can be harmful to the body. It should not be consumed by people who have been diagnosed with diabetes, regardless of its type. This is due to the fact that the glycemic index of one serving is almost 100 units. Thus, mashed potatoes increase blood glucose levels, which can lead to serious consequences.

Is it possible to eat boiled potatoes while losing weight

Nutritionists say that potatoes in boiled form can also be used for weight loss. It is turned into a mashed potato and mixed with dill. Such a dish has a positive effect on the intestines, stomach and helps to quickly satisfy hunger for a long time.

Also boiled potatoes increase the elasticity of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure. So, boiled potatoes will help not only to maintain or reduce weight, but also to strengthen the immune system, replenishing the necessary substances and microelements.

Boiled potatoes in medicine

The product has also found its application in the presence of a number of diseases. It is used as an additional therapy or introduced into the diet.

For Diabetes Mellitus

Boiled potatoes, unfortunately, should not be consumed in the presence of diabetes. This is due to the high glycemic index (65-90 units). The product contains a large amount of active carbohydrates.

Thus, even a small portion of a delicious dish will provoke an increase in blood glucose levels. Such a condition is dangerous for diabetics.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas is established in men and women more often after the age of 35. With the disease, it is important not only to take medications, but also to eat right. It is recommended to introduce potatoes in boiled form into the diet of patients. This is due to the fact that the product has a positive effect on the mucosa of the digestive organs, helps to relieve inflammation. But the method of cooking the product is also of great importance. In the presence of pancreatitis, you should not eat potatoes in a fried form. It is quite greasy and can cause harm. In the case of pancreatitis in the diet should be present potatoes in a boiled or baked form.

In case of gastritis.

Boiled potatoes can also be consumed with gastritis. It has a positive effect on the intestinal mucosa, allows you to cope with inflammation and exclude the development of ulcers.

Thus, with gastritis in the diet must necessarily be present boiled potatoes. But it should be used in moderate quantities.

At hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are an inflammatory disease in which there is a stagnant process in the colon. As a result, knots form around the organ, preventing the normal process of fecal excretion.

When the disease is diagnosed, it is also important not only to take the medications prescribed by the doctor, but also to follow a special diet. Specialists recommend introducing potatoes into the diet. He will help to relieve the inflammatory process, alleviate the overall condition.

In cholecystitis

The inflammatory process, which affects the tissues of the gallbladder, can also be stopped with a comprehensive approach to treatment. Patients are prescribed medications and a diet.

The diet should include foods that help to relieve inflammation and improve well-being. One such product is potatoes in boiled form. At the same time, it is forbidden to use a product fried in oil.

Cosmetic applications

Cosmetologists say that boiled potatoes can also be beneficial if they are regularly used to make various masks for the hair and skin of the face. Due to its properties, potatoes will help to return hair shine and strength, as well as to eliminate fine lines on the face, especially around the eyes.

Potatoes are widely used for dry skin and can eliminate peeling. This is due to the fact that the potato contains a large amount of water and vitamins that activate metabolic processes. Thus, the product is an excellent remedy for hair and face care at home.

Today, there are several recipes used to help restore the natural beauty of hair and facial skin. The most popular for the face of them are the following:

1. For dry skin. Pre-cook potatoes, mash them. Mix 2 tablespoons of the product with a teaspoon of aloe and one egg. Mix everything thoroughly and apply an even layer to the skin of the face. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and then rinse off.
2. From wrinkles. For the preparation you need mashed potatoes and olive oil in an amount of one tablespoon each, a chicken egg. Mix everything thoroughly and form two pancakes. Wrap them in gauze and put on the skin in the eyelid area. Take them off in 15-20 minutes.
3. With a lifting effect. For a facelift, it is recommended to take 3 tablespoons of boiled crushed potatoes, a teaspoon of cream and an egg white. All mixed together. Before the procedure, steam the skin of the face and cleanse it with a scrub. Then apply the mask and leave it for 20 minutes, then wash it off.

Potatoes are also used to restore the beauty of hair, its structure, shine and strength. In addition, home remedies help to stop inflammation on the top layer of the epidermis on the scalp, improve the sebaceous glands, give hair elasticity. Masks perfectly nourish the bulbs and activate their growth.

You can use the following recipes:

1. For oily hair. Two potatoes, 4 tablespoons of rye flour, a couple of drops of tea tree oil and 2 small spoons of apricot kernel oil are needed. Crush the potatoes and mix with the flour, add the oils and mix everything thoroughly. The resulting mass of massaging movements apply to the scalp, cover with plastic wrap and towel. Mask leave for half an hour, then rinse. The procedure is carried out twice a week.
2. For growth. You will need one large-sized potato, two tablespoons of table horseradish, 3 large spoons of olive oil, a teaspoon of burdock oil and 2 yolks. It is also recommended to add a few drops of sandalwood oil. Grate potatoes and horseradish on a grater, add the yolks. Combine the oils and put in a water bath to heat the mass to 40 degrees. Then mix with the vegetables. Apply the mask to the hair, rub it in thoroughly. Cover your head with a film and a towel and leave it for 20 minutes. After that, rinse it off.

With regular use of masks after a few weeks the hair will become manageable, silky, shiny and strong enough. Means will help restore the sebaceous glands, accelerate the healing of microcracks on the scalp and get rid of dandruff.

Health Hazards and Contraindications

Boiled potatoes can be harmful to the body. This is because the product is often grown using nitrates. If they are in excess there is a risk of food poisoning, oxygen deficiency and a significant increase in the risk of cancer.

In addition, potato peels contain such a substance as solanine. And eating it in large quantities is harmful. It refers to hemolytic poisons, accumulates when exposed to ultraviolet rays and causes dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Potatoes, including boiled ones, contain starch, which in large quantities provokes stool disorders. In the presence of individual intolerance, allergic reactions occur, manifested in the form of peeling of the skin, itching, Quincke's edema.

The product should be excluded from the diet in the presence of diabetes mellitus, urolithiasis in the stage of exacerbation, constipation, increased gas formation.

How to store correctly

Store potatoes in a cool place, pre-drying it. Moisture that may remain on the surface, leads to the emergence and spread of mold.

Raw potatoes in a cool, dark place can be stored for up to six months. If left in a warm place, they will quickly sprout, wilt, or go bad. In this case, it should be eaten within a week.

Boiled potatoes are stored in the refrigerator at about 5 degrees. The shelf life of the product is 2 days.

Can they be frozen?

Boiled potatoes are not subject to freezing. Many housewives freeze raw potatoes, pre-cut into sticks. It is convenient to roast or make French fries.

The shelf life of frozen potatoes is up to 3 months.

How to boil potatoes: Recipes

Boiling potatoes is not difficult. The main thing is to follow the technology of cooking. Only in this way the product will turn out delicious.

Classic recipe

Pre-clean the potatoes from the skin. Then wash and place in a pot, add water and salt to taste. After boiling, put the lid on and simmer for 20 minutes. Check the readiness of the product, piercing it with a knife. It is important not to overcook the potatoes. After cooking, drain the water, add a small amount of butter. You can also sprinkle with herbs.

In the jacket

The jacket potatoes should be cooked in the same way as regular potatoes, but do not peel before cooking. Do not salt the water. After cooking, drain the water and put the potatoes on a plate. Before using, peel and salt to taste.

For mashed potatoes

To make a delicious and healthy mashed potatoes, you should peel the potatoes and wash them under running water. Put them in a pot, pour water, salt and put on the stove. Once the potatoes are boiled, leave them on a low heat for 10 minutes more. The potatoes should boil well. Then drain the water, add a little warm milk and butter. Knead everything up.

With mushrooms

Boiled potatoes with mushrooms is a great dish for dinner or lunch. Before cooking, you should prepare:

• 10 medium potatoes;
• 400 grams of mushrooms;
• 1 onion;
• vegetable oil;
• Greens and salt to taste.

Peel potatoes, cut them into julienne strips and put them into a saucepan, pour water and lightly salt them. Put on the fire and cook over low heat until tender. Onions and mushrooms chop, put into a pan, add vegetable oil. All fry until golden brown, add boiled potatoes and leave on low heat until tender. Then sprinkle with greens.

In the microwave

You can also boil potatoes in the microwave. The recipe is almost the same as the classic version on the stove. Before cooking, you should prepare 7-9 potatoes, half a cup of water and salt to taste. Peel and cut the vegetable, then put it in a glass container designed for the microwave. Pour water and salt. It is important not to cover completely with a lid, to allow the steam to escape freely. Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes at full power, then stir and leave for another 5-7 minutes.

The product in the microwave can also be boiled in the jacket. For this you will need a baking bag and several potatoes. Pre-wash the vegetable, put it in a bag and cover it with a special fastener. Put it in the microwave, cook at full power for 10-15 minutes. Take out the bag with caution, as it may be hot.

In a multicooker

Today, many housewives use the multicooker to cook various dishes. In it you can also boil and potatoes. To do this, the product must be peeled, washed, sliced if necessary, and placed in the bowl of the multicooker. All pour water so that it covers the potatoes. Salt the water. Put the multicooker on boiling mode, set the timer for 20-30 minutes and turn it on. After cooking, drain the water, add butter and herbs to taste.

How to fry boiled potatoes

Boiled potatoes can also be fried with a little vegetable oil. In this way the dish will be more tasty and healthy. The potatoes should be pre-cooked in salted water until fully cooked, but so that they do not boil. Drain the water, and leave the product to cool.

Chop the onion, put it in a frying pan and add vegetable oil, fry slightly. Potatoes cut into cubes or straws, put into the pan. Stir everything and fry until golden brown. After cooking, sprinkle with herbs.

Recipe for boiled potato cutlets

Such cutlets will be a great dish in Lent and for those on a diet. There are many recipes, the best of which are the following.

Cutlets in breaded mashed potatoes

For preparation, you will need to prepare in advance:

• 1 kg of potatoes;
• vegetable oil;
• flour for breading.

Process:

1. Clean the product, wash under warm water and cut into several pieces. Then put in a pot, pour water and salt. Cook until tender.
2. After that, drain the water, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and grind to a homogeneous mass so that there were no lumps.
3. Form cutlets from the mashed potatoes, roll them in flour and put onto a preheated frying pan. Fry on both sides in vegetable oil.

Potato patties with mushroom stuffing

The following ingredients will be needed:

• 1 kg of potatoes;
• 400 grams of mushrooms;
• 1-2 onions;
• 1 egg;
• flour;
• salt to taste;
• vegetable oil.

Process:

1. Prepare potatoes, boil, drain the water completely. Add the egg, a small amount of flour, grind and mix everything thoroughly.
2. Chop the onions and mushrooms, put them in a pan and pour a little vegetable oil on them. Fry everything until golden brown. The filling is ready.
3. Form tortillas from mashed potatoes, put stuffing in the middle, wrap and roll in flour. Fry zrazy in butter. Serve with tomato or garlic sauce.

Instead of mushrooms, you can use other toppings, such as minced meat, boiled eggs, and others.

How many potatoes you can eat a day

Experts say that a day should not consume more than 200 grams of boiled potatoes. This is the portion that contains a sufficient amount of vitamins and nutrients for the body.

You should not abuse the product, as this can harm the body, especially when eating jacket or fried potatoes.

Is it possible to eat at night

Nutritionists do not recommend eating potatoes in any form before going to bed. This is due to the fact that the product is quite nutritious and heavy for the stomach. You can eat potatoes 2-3 hours before going to bed in a small amount. This will help not to burden the stomach.

Is it possible to eat boiled potatoes with the skin

The peel contains a substance that is dangerous to the body and can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting. It is produced in old peels by exposure to sunlight.

But it also contains many vitamins and minerals. Thus, only fresh, pre-washed and in small quantities, potatoes with peels can be consumed.

Should we give boiled potatoes to pets?

Cats and dogs can be given boiled potatoes in small quantities, for example when they're part of soups. In large quantities the product should not be given to animals, as it can cause indigestion.

Also the product is not eaten by parrots, rodents and other animals. The vegetable can be replaced for them with fruits, berries. They contain a greater number of useful micronutrients.

Interesting facts about potatoes

There are many interesting facts about such a common product as the potato:

1. The vegetable is poisonous. It can produce a substance called solanine. This is a toxin that leads to poisoning. This is why you should not consume old potatoes whose rinds are green in color.
2. The historical homeland of the vegetable is South America. It was grown in Peru as early as 4,000 years ago. At the same time, more than 100 different varieties were bred.
3. As we know, the potato was imported to Russia by Peter the Great. After that he sent it to the governors for further cultivation. But the potatoes were forgotten, as the green berries were inedible. Peter I's cause was continued by Catherine II . She tried to introduce potatoes into the diet of the people. But for another 100 years the peasants were afraid to eat potatoes. Rumour had it that the product was of dark origin, and it was a sin to eat it.
4. There are many varieties of potatoes. They vary in taste, color, and size. Experts have even developed varieties that are highly resistant to frost.

Potatoes today are appreciated as a product that is used in most dishes. It is consumed in boiled, fried, and baked form. It is used to make cutlets and casseroles. Such popularity is due to the presence of a sufficient number of vitamins, trace elements, which have a positive effect on the body.

Among other things, potatoes are appreciated not only in cooking, but also in medicine. It is included in most therapeutic diets and can be used for cosmetic purposes. Thanks to the potato, every woman can maintain the beauty of her hair and face skin at home and without much expense. But it should be used and consumed in moderation and without fanaticism.

Photo of boiled potatoes