Potato Health Benefits: The botanical name of Potato is Solanum Tuberosum. It is from the family Solanaceae, which is otherwise called the "Nightshades." Potatoes are the most highly consumed vegetable by everyone globally, especially in the United States Of America. It is regarded as the fourth food crop consumed in the world after the food crops like wheat, corn, and rice. Potato is something that people enjoy eating right from young kids to old adults. Kids like to consume potatoes in the form of French Fries or fried in oil, while the Adults love any form of Potatoes.
Potatoes are considered to have many medicinal properties, and excessive consumption of Potatoes is not good for health.
How did the word “Potato” Originate?
The etymology of the word "Potato" is from the Spanish language. It is derived from the Spanish word "Patata." This is how the potato is addressed in the Spanish language. This name was used to refer to another type of potato, which is sweet potato. There are numerous and different types of Potato available across the world. The Potato is usually called with different names in different languages. It is known as "Aloo" in Hindi and "Urulai Kizhangu" in Tamil.
Historical Uses of Potato
The potato has been used in the past by our fellow people. It has been used to treat various diseases and health problems that one suffers from. Due to its great medicinal properties, it was and is still used in the Scientific treatments and Ayurvedic Treatments to treat various kinds of diseases.
In the past, the potato has been used to treat and cure diseases like high blood pressure, low brain function, inflammation, weak digestion, heart problems, and many more. These are also used to brew alcoholic beverages such as Vodka, akvavit, and all. It is also used as a thickener for soups and sauces.
The potatoes are also used to treat any burns. The skin of the potato helps in healing burns. For livestock, the potatoes have been used as fodder in the past. Historical uses of Potato are so many, and it is beautifully and cleverly used in the treatment of diseases.
Potato Benefits: Benefits of Using Potato in Ayurvedic Treatment
There are many benefits that one attains with the consumption of Potato and even more when used in the Ayurvedic treatments. Many studies have proven and shown that the consumption of potatoes, both internally and externally, helps in the treating and healing process of health issues. The Solanum tuberosum has healing properties.
The potato benefits a person by treating high blood pressure, burns, inflammation, heart problems, and a lot more. It helps gain various nutrients like Vitamin C, protein, fiber, potassium, iron, etc. In Ayurvedic treatment, the potatoes are mostly used in treating burns, boils, infections, and inflammations. Apart from all these benefits, it is also a very tasty and likable vegetable by most people worldwide.
Treating Diseases Or Health Problems Using Potato
The potato or the Solanum Tuberosum is used to heal and cure too many diseases and health problems. We will now know how these potatoes are being used to treat diseases in both science and Ayurvedic treatment and what are all the diseases are cured with the help of potatoes.
● Acidity
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Science
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Ayurveda
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According to Science experts, the potato aids in the healing of acidity. It acts as an antioxidant and controls the acid in the stomach, and relieves one from acidity.
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In Ayurveda, there are not many studies or sources to prove the potato’s effects on acidity. But then, it is used in a little amount to treat acidity.
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● High Blood Pressure
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Science
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Ayurveda
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Potato is used to treat people with High blood pressure in scientific treatments. The presence of fiber, potassium, and the kukoamines chemical in a Potato, helps a person balance and lower the blood pressure.
Since the mineral potassium in potatoes quickly and efficiently lowers the blood pressure.
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According to the Ayurvedic experts, high blood pressure happens due to an excessive amount of Vata dosha.
The potato helps lower and balance the doshas- Vata, Kapha, and pitta and does not allow the blood pressure to rise and thus remain balanced.
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● Improper Brain Function
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Science
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Ayurveda
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According to the Science experts, due to the presence of Potassium and Vitamin B6 in potato, it aids one by correcting the brain function and nervous system. It relieves one from stress, anxiety and helps in regulating brain function.
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The Ayurvedic experts believe that potatoes, due to its medicinal qualities and the presence of nutrients, help regulate brain function.
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● Obesity
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Science
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Ayurveda
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The science experts believe that consuming not excess but a required amount of boiled and baked potatoes can help in weight loss.
According to science experts, the fried potatoes are the ones that cause weight gain.
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Ayurvedic experts advise the obese to have a little amount of baked or boiled potato as it helps by firing away from the extra fats and calories.
Potatoes also help in maintaining a proper balance of all three doshas.
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● Inflammation
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Science
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Ayurveda
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The science experts say that they believe potatoes might help control and prevent inflammation in a person due to their medicinal properties.
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In Ayurveda, the ayurvedic experts use these potatoes to treat and cure burns and boils. The potato's skin is used to treat these.
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● Improper Digestive System
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Science
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Ayurveda
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The science experts believe that due to the high level of fiber content in potatoes, the digestive system is repaired and makes it proper.
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The ayurvedic experts say that carbohydrates at a high level in potato regulate the digestive process by balancing the Vata Dosha.
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● Skin Diseases
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Science
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Ayurveda
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Due to the excessive nutrients such as zinc, potassium, vitamin C, Vitamin B6, the potatoes used on the skin will protect one from pimples, acne, and skin problems.
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When the potato is applied to the skin, it cures all the burns, inflammation, and other skin issues. The Ropan property present in potato heals the skin.
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● Low Immunity
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Science
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Ayurveda
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The science experts believe that Vitamin C in potato increases the immunity power in a person.
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According to ayurvedic experts, potatoes are given in boiled forms to increase a person's immunity level.
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Forms of Potato in Ayurveda With Recommended Dosage
The herb potato is available in so many forms. Each form of potato has been used to treat each kind of diseases or health problems. The potatoes are available in the form of powder, paste, and raw potatoes. All these forms are used in the Ayurvedic treatment to treat health issues such as burns, boils, high blood pressure, and many more. All these various forms have to be taken in a limited amount and not more than that. The recommended dosage is as follows:
● Raw potato: Take a single potato for a day
● Potato powder: Take ½ to 2 tsp of Potato powder twice a day
● Potato paste: 1-2 tsp of paste to be used in the affected area
If you have not consulted a physician, you may follow the recommendations mentioned above. But if you have consulted a doctor, then you could better follow as prescribed to you.
Types of Ayurvedic Care with Potato
1. Raw Potato
The raw potato has been used to treat diseases such as skin burns, boils, and inflammations. It is not advisable to consume this form of potato internally.
Tips:
- 1- 2 slices of potato can be taken
- Rub them on the affected area gently
- Wash it with clear water
- Do it twice a day for better results
2. Potato powder
The powdered form of potato is highly used in ayurvedic treatments. This can either be mixed with water or honey and consumed easily. This form of potato is what people like after the cooked form of potatoes.
Tips:
- Take ½ - 2 tsp of potato powder.
- Add water or honey
- Consume it twice a day
3. Potato paste
This form of potato is being used to treat skin diseases and problems. The potato paste can be applied to the affected area twice a day for better results.
Tips:
- Take 1-2 tsp of potato paste
- Apply in on the affected area
- Do it twice a day
Side Effects of Potato
Although many benefits and advantages of potatoes were mentioned above, numerous side effects can occur due to excessive potatoes. Due to the presence of a high level of carbohydrates in potatoes, it can cause the below-mentioned side effects:
● Vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Restlessness
● Thirst
● Allergy
These are the side effects that are possible to occur if potatoes are consumed excessively. It is better if one consults with his doctor before consuming potato either internally or externally.
Precautionary Guide while using Potato
For Diabetic patients
- View of science experts
The potatoes can increase the blood sugar levels of a person if consumed. Due to the presence of carbohydrates at high levels, there can be a rise and fall in sugar levels. It is advised that one keeps a constant check on his or her sugar levels.
People with High Blood Pressure:
- View of science experts
Due to the presence of a high level of carbohydrates in Potato, there is a chance that it can increase the level of blood pressure. Consuming potatoes in little quantity is not harmful, but if consumed excessively, then it could be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Potato
Can potatoes be consumed by people suffering from gastritis?
- View of Science Experts
No, potato is not to be consumed by people suffering from gastritis as it has a high level of fiber, carbohydrates, and potassium in it. When one consumes the potatoes in large amounts, this can lead to the formation of gas, which will further increase the person's problems with gastritis.
Is potato good for health?
- View of science experts
Absolutely yes, the consumption of potatoes is very good for your health. Potatoes have numerous nutrients present in it. Those nutrients are potassium, carbohydrates, Vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, zinc, and many more. Potatoes are said to be good only when consumed in limited amounts. An excessive amount of potatoes can be harmful.
Does potato have numerous names?
Yes, potatoes do have a lot of names. The botanical name of the potato is Solanum Tuberosum. It is from the Solanaceae plant family. The names of potatoes differ according to the language. In Hindi, it is known as "Aloo"; in Tamil, it is called "Uralakazhangu." Thus the names of potatoes differ according to the language.
Are there toxic chemicals present in potatoes?
Yes, there is certain toxicity in potatoes. It has toxic chemical Glycoalkalides. The most prevailing of them are solanine and chaconine. It is advisable to consume potatoes in the cooked form as this will help destroy all the toxicity present in potatoes.
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