Inflammation
Potatoes are found effective in reducing inflammation, both internal and external. Since it is soft, easily digested and has a lot of vitamin-C, potassium and vitamin-B6, it can help to relieve any kinds of inflammation of the intestines and the digestive system. It is also a good dietary element for those who have mouth ulcers. Thus, people suffering from arthritis and gout may use potatoes for their anti-inflammatory impact, but again, since it can add to weight gain, which worsens these conditions, and is commonly eaten with meat and other rich foods that make gout worse, a fine balance must be struck.
Kidney Stones
Kidney Stones, which are also known as Renal Calculi, are caused mainly due to increased levels of uric acid in the blood. In this situation foods high in protein must be avoided, mainly animal proteins like meat, milk, turkey, shrimp, eggs, fish as well as spinach, raw plantain, black grams and certain beans, that severely increases the level of uric acid in the blood. Apart from that iron and calcium also contribute to forming the stones. They wouldn’t fit in as a preventative measure of kidney stones, but they contain magnesium, which prevents the gathering or deposition of calcium (calcification) in the kidney and other tissues, thus proving beneficial for treatment of renal calculi.
Digestion
Since potatoes mainly consist of carbohydrates, they are easy to digest and facilitate digestion. Due to this feature potato is a good diet for babies as well as for those who cannot digest hard food, but need energy. However, keep in mind consuming too many potatoes regularly may cause acidity over time. Potatoes contain considerable amount of fiber or roughage, more in raw potatoes and cold ones than boiled or hot ones. Fiber helps to encourages peristaltic motion and increased secretion of gastric juices, which eases digestion and prevents constipation and protects the body from more serious conditions like colorectal cancer. Fiber is also associated with scraping cholesterol out of the arteries and blood vessels, thus increasing heart health.
Important tip
Consuming 156 gram of potatoes offers 0.42 mg of Vitamin B6, 0.261 mg of Copper, 31.22 g of Carbohydrate, 0.794 mg of Vitamin B5, 2.047 mg of Vitamin B3 and 11.5 mg of Vitamin C. Moreover many Amino acids like 0.042 g of Tryptophan, 0.097 g of Threonine, 0.109 g of Isoleucine, 0.161 g of Leucine and 0.162 g of Lysine are also found in 156 gram of potatoes.
Diarrhea
Potatoes are an excellent component of an energy-rich diet for those suffering from diarrhea, since it is very easy to digest and consists of mild roughage. However, eating too many potatoes can cause diarrhea due to the excessive ingestion of starch.
Skin Care
Minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc as well as vitamin-C and B-complex are wonderful for the skin. Similarly pulp gained from crushed raw potatoes, mixed with honey, can work well in skin and face packs. It also helps to cure pimples and spots on the skin. This pulp, if applied outwardly on burns, offers quick relief and faster healing. Smashed potatoes, and even water in which potatoes have been washed, are very good for softening and cleaning skin, particularly around the elbows, and the back of the hands.
Brain Function
Proper functioning of the brain depends largely on the glucose level, oxygen supply, various components of the vitamin-B complex and certain hormones, amino acids and fatty acids like omega-3. Potatoes cater to almost all the needs mentioned above. They are high in carbohydrates, and thus maintain good levels of glucose in the blood. This prevents the brain from letting fatigue creep in and it keeps your cognitive activity and performance high. Brain needs oxygen that is transported to the brain by the hemoglobin in the blood; its main constituent is iron. Potatoes contain iron as well. Therefore, potatoes help deliver oxygen to the brain as well. There are a wide variety of vitamins and minerals in potatoes that completely affect the function of the brain, including phosphorus, zinc, and the B complex vitamins. The vasodilating features of potassium have been connected to stimulation of brain function due to increased blood flow to that essential organ.
source : healthbenefitstimes.com