Health Benefits of Potatoes

Hear is more info on the health benefits of the vegetables which are sold at Green Futures:
We have all been told that potatoes are a form of starchy food and should therefore be eaten in moderation and although they are correct there are health benefits from eating potatoes.  Potatoes are full of carbohydrates and are a starchy food source but it also contains Vitamin’s B, C, folic acid, copper, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur too.  Yes they should be eaten in moderation as carbohydrates which are not utilised as energy are changed into fat and stored in the body until a time when it is needed – therefore too many carbohydrates can lead to weight gain.  How they are cooked should also be taken into account to preserve the vitamin and mineral content.  Receiving local, seasonal vegetables will ensure a higher content of nutrients compared to shop bought which can take up to six weeks to reach the shelf of your local department.
Potatoes have an affinity with the digestive system especially for people who have peptic ulcers, experience gastritis or have diabetes.  They are good for mild digestive problems and can soothe an upset stomach.  Try having potato juice, mixed with equal amounts of carrot and cabbage juice (you may want to add a splash of lemon juice to taste) but this juice/ vegetable smoothie has constituents which can help to ease the symptoms of gastritis and peptic ulcers.
The juice or pulp of a raw potato can be applied neat if you have burnt yourself and can also relieve the irritation from insect bites, eczema and boils.  Do not eat the green parts of a potato if you get one as these can cause stomach upset – they have been exposed to sunlight and have built up a number of alkaloids.  The potato comes from a family called solanaceae which is the same family as deadly nightshade, bitter sweet, hembane and thorn apple all very poisonous plants.  Every part of the potato plant (except the humble spud itself) is also poisonous.  The green part of the potato (when it occurs contains a similar mix of the solonaceae alkaloids and should be avoided.
Information from
Emma Warrener
Western Medicinal Herbalist within Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Check out my website at: www.herbsforhealthandwellbeing.co.uk
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