Potato: benefits and harm to the body

Potato is one of the most common foods. It is used for the preparation of first, second courses and salads, and everyone knows about its beneficial properties.

Potato History

The homeland of potatoes is South America. He entered the diet of Indians living in the territory of modern Peru and Bolivia, and became known only in 1565. The existence of this unique root crop became known thanks to the Spanish mariners, who went to the territory of South America in search of gold. However, travelers did not find gold reserves. Instead, the Spaniards made a grand opening and presented the world with potatoes.

In 1588, it entered the life of the Irish and soon became not only the most popular product among the local population, but also formed the basis of their diet for 300 years. The Irish do not imagine their life without potatoes today. For 1 modern Irishman, 4 kg of product per day.

The spread of potatoes in the rest of the world began only in the early 17th century. This unique root crop came from Spain:

• to Italy;
• Austria
• Belgium
• Holland;
• France
• England

Potato came to the territory of Russia during the time of the Petrine era, and some difficulties hindered its distribution. The peasants refused to give their land for the cultivation of this root crop and staged whole "potato riots" that began in 1834 and lasted until 1844. Not only Russians, but also Tatars, Komi, Udmurts and even Chuvashs rebelled against the spread of potatoes. The common population did not want to grow this plant on their lands. They destroyed crops, re-elected wardens and beat officials. Many participants in the riots were shot, some were exiled to Siberia or sent to service.

Despite all the difficulties associated with the spread of potatoes in the territory of modern Russia, the local population was forced to recognize this root crop as a food product. Already in the second half of the 19th century, more than 200 varieties were grown that could grow in all climatic regions of Russia.

Kinds

Today, there are more than 3000 varieties of potatoes, which are divided into the following varieties:

1. Table potatoes. This type is used for preparing a variety of dishes. Tubers are distinguished by excellent taste characteristics, contain not more than 20% starch, a large amount of vitamin C, beta-carotene and other trace elements, which have a beneficial effect on the human body.
2. Technical potatoes. This variety is not used in food. Starch and alcohol are made from industrial potatoes. It contains up to 16% starch and a large amount of protein.
3. Fodder potatoes. Used to make pet food. Such feeds contribute to the rapid growth of livestock due to the high content of starch and protein.
4. Universal potatoes. It is used both for food and on an industrial scale. Such potatoes contain 16–18% starch, a large amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements.

What is the difference between sweet potato and potato

Sweet potato and potato are similar to each other only in some respects. These two plants belong to different families and differ among themselves in such parameters:

1. Chemical composition. 100 g of ordinary potatoes includes 2.02 g of protein, 0.09 g of fat, 17.79 g of carbohydrates, a variety of vitamins and minerals. Sweet potato contains less protein, fat, but more carbohydrates, beta-carotene and vitamin A.
2. Taste characteristics. Potatoes are characterized by the presence of a loose texture and a salty taste. Sweet potato, in turn, is radically different from potatoes in taste. It can be slightly sweet or have a rich, sweet taste, somewhat reminiscent of a banana or melon.
3. Features of cultivation. Many potato varieties are great for growing in risky farming regions, but need regular maintenance. Sweet potato can grow only in hot tropics. In tropical hot regions, the plant does not need special care and gives a large crop without much time and effort.
4. Application area. Potato is a versatile food product and can be used to prepare a variety of side dishes, soups and salads. This can not be said about sweet potato. This vegetable has a sweet taste and is used to prepare only some dishes.
5. Appearance. Potato fruits are rounded and the skin can be brown, red or pink. Sweet potato reaches a large size and has an elongated shape. His tubers can be painted only in two colors - red and orange.

Composition and calorie content

Potatoes contain a huge amount of nutrients. Per 100 g of this unique food product is accounted for:

• 0.08 mg of thiamine.
• 0.03 mg riboflavin.
• 1.1 mg of niacin.
• 0.24 mg pyridoxine.
• 16.5 mcg of folacin.
• 11 mg of ascorbic acid.
• 2.1 mcg of vitamin K.
• 11 mg of calcium.
• 0.7 mg of iron.
• 22 mg of magnesium.
• 59 mg of phosphorus.
• 426 mg of potassium.
• 6 mg of sodium.
• 13 mg of choline.
• 0.4 mcg of selenium.

100 g of fresh potatoes contains 73 calories.

Useful properties of potatoes

General benefit

The unique composition of potatoes has a beneficial effect on all functions of the human body and internal organs. Regular use of this root crop helps:

• remove from the body an accumulation of salts and excess fluid;
• improve metabolism;
• prevent the development of many diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis, etc.);
• cope with the acute symptoms of gastritis;
• lower the acid content in the stomach;
• cope with peptic ulcer disease;
• saturate the body with vitamins, which are necessary for the normal functioning of internal organs;
• cope with the acute symptoms of gout;
• strengthen bone tissue;
• prevent premature aging of the skin;
• improve fat metabolism;
• increase hemoglobin in the blood;
• improve blood formation;
• reduce the level of bad cholesterol.

For women

Potato is an indispensable product for women's health. Due to the content of a large number of vitamins, calcium, magnesium and other useful substances, its regular use will help preserve female beauty, improve the condition of hair and nails, cope with the stresses that modern women are waiting for at every step, and even prevent the development of many diseases.

Potatoes can have a beneficial effect on the female body, not only from the inside, but also from the outside, since its derivatives are part of many cosmetics for skin care.

For men

According to doctors, the daily diet of an adult man can not do without potatoes. It will help to maintain activity throughout the day, saturate the body with useful substances and prevent the development of chronic fatigue.

During pregnancy

During the bearing of a child, a woman should carefully monitor her daily diet, adding fortified foods to it. These include potatoes. It includes folic acid, potassium and other useful substances that can beneficially affect the general condition of a pregnant woman and the fetus.

Eating potatoes regularly will help:

• saturate the body of a pregnant woman and a child with the necessary vitamins, macro-and microelements;
• ensure the correct formation of all internal organs and systems of the child;
• relieve an attack of heartburn;
• reduce and even completely remove puffiness;
• remove excess fluid from the body;
• increase hemoglobin in the blood;
• prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.

When breastfeeding

Potatoes are included in the list of products that are allowed to be used during breastfeeding. The components that make up its composition will have a beneficial effect on both the woman and the newborn. Regular use of this product will help maintain the water-salt balance, prevent the development of disorders in the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular system.

For kids

Pediatricians are allowed to introduce potatoes into the daily diet of children who have reached the age of six months. This root crop is a hypoallergenic, nutritious product and will help saturate the child’s body with many vitamins, macro- and microelements that are necessary for the proper development of the baby.

The benefits and harms of potato peel

Contrary to popular belief, potato peel is not just a waste. Proper use of this product contributes to the healing of the whole body and helps to cure some diseases.

The potato peel, like the root crop itself, has a rich composition and includes many useful substances, including:

• ascorbic acid;
• potassium;
• manganese;
• niacin;
• calcium;
• riboflavin;
• zinc;
• thiamine;
• iron.

Due to the unique effect of these beneficial substances, potato peel and its derivatives have a beneficial effect on the human body and help:

• normalize digestion;
• remove accumulated toxins and toxins;
• cope with frequent constipation and flatulence;
• reduce the risk of developing cancerous tumors in the gastrointestinal tract;
• prevent the occurrence of liver damage;
• lower blood pressure;
• prevent the development of cardiovascular disease;
• stop premature aging of the skin and the whole body;
• remove kidney stones;
• lower blood sugar.

However, doctors advise to pay attention to the fact that the peel of the potato contains solanine. This substance is a toxin and, with improper or excessive use of potato peelings, can provoke the development of serious neurological and gastrointestinal diseases.

The healing properties of potato sprouts

For treatment, not only potato peel is used, but also its sprouts. They have antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial properties and have a positive effect on blood vessels, strengthening their walls. In addition, infusions and other medicinal compounds based on potato sprouts can accelerate the healing of small wounds and cuts, relieve inflammation and pain.

Potato sprouts are used to treat many diseases.Decoctions and infusions, which they are part of, perfectly cope with such pathologies:

1. A variety of skin diseases. Infusions from potato sprouts will help cure eczema, fungal diseases and even dermatitis.
2. Inflammatory processes that occur in the respiratory tract. Potato seed tinctures help cure colds, tonsillitis and bronchitis.
3. Inflammatory processes that occur on the mucous membrane of the mouth. This tool is effective in the development of stomatitis and gingivitis.
4. Diseases of bones and joints. Potato seed tinctures help fight diseases like arthritis and gout.

Doctors draw the attention of patients to the fact that it is recommended to refuse treatment with potato sprouts:

• women who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• children who have not reached the age of twelve;
• people diagnosed with diabetes.

The benefits of potato juice

The use of potato juice as a medicine is approved not only by traditional medicine experts, but also by qualified therapists. According to doctors, this tool has many unique properties, including:

• diuretic;
• laxatives;
• antimicrobial;
• regenerative;
• painkillers;
• antispasmodic;
• wound healing;
• anti-inflammatory.

The systematic use of freshly prepared potato juice will help improve metabolism, smooth out the water-salt balance, increase hemoglobin and even eliminate disorders in the functioning of the cardiovascular system and kidneys. In addition, according to many therapists, this natural remedy can lower blood pressure, improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, increase appetite, and relieve pain localized in the stomach, intestines, or head.

Is it possible to eat potatoes while losing weight

According to experienced nutritionists, potatoes can be included in the diet menu. This vegetable will not only saturate the body with valuable nutrients, but also help cleanse the organs of the gastrointestinal tract from decay products, improve metabolism and help to reduce weight, but only if it is used correctly.

Including potatoes in the diet menu, it is important to understand what this root vegetable is with. An ideal combination is potatoes baked with low-fat fish or vegetables, without the addition of sauces, a large number of spices and salt. Such a dish will be not only useful, but also delicious.

Adhering to a diet whose goal is to reduce weight, you need to eat baked potatoes no more than three times a week.

Potatoes in medicine

Tubers, peel, potato flowers and their derivatives are widely used to treat many diseases. The unique properties of this root crop help to cope with many pathological processes that occur in the human body, and the content of a large number of vitamins and other useful substances will help the patient regain strength and return to the usual rhythm of life.

With diabetes

Based on the latest research from the American Diabetes Association, we can safely say that starchy foods should be included in the daily diet of every person suffering from diabetes. This will help to balance the daily diet and diversify the menu.

Therapists recommend that patients who suffer from diabetes use only boiled potatoes. Moreover, the volume of each portion should be small.

Important: the glycemic index of raw potatoes - 50-60 units, boiled - 65-70, baked - 60, mashed potatoes - 85-90, fried - 110 units, potato chips - 95 or more.

With pancreatitis

Potato has many valuable advantages:

1. It has a sufficient content of well-digestible proteins.
2. It contains a large amount of potassium, which removes fluid from the body, thereby helping to reduce pancreatic edema.
3. Does not injure the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. It contains a minimal amount of fat.

Based on all the above facts, gastroenterologists are allowed to include potatoes in the daily menu of a patient suffering from acute pancreatitis. It is used as mashed potatoes or steamed pudding.

Potatoes are also allowed for chronic pancreatitis. In this case, the daily consumption rate of root crops is from 200 to 300 g.

With gastritis

Gastroenterologists do not prohibit their patients from eating boiled potatoes even with an acute form of gastritis. Regular use of potatoes helps to establish the work of the gastrointestinal tract and relieve the unpleasant symptoms that occur with this disease.

Traditional medicine experts advise people suffering from gastritis to drink freshly prepared potato juice daily. This remedy has an anti-inflammatory, wound healing agent and helps to cope with the treatment of acute and chronic gastritis. At the same time, many gastroenterologists approve of this tool and recommend that their patients take it in combination with medications.

For the intestines

This unique root crop is indispensable for the normal functioning of the intestine. It is easily digested by the stomach and stimulates intestinal motility, preventing stagnation of stool.

However, doctors note that the benefits of consuming potatoes can be seen if you do not overdo it with its quantity. Excessive use of the root crop will harm the whole body and lead to disturbances in the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, including the intestines.

For constipation

The potato will help to cope with the problem of frequent constipation. It contains many useful substances that positively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, prevent stagnation of stool and have a mild, laxative effect.

Studies have shown that freshly prepared potato juice effectively fights this problem. Patients suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and, as a result, from constipation, note an improvement in the condition after the first intake of this unique remedy and complete elimination of the problem after a course of treatment with potato juice.

However, doctors strongly recommend abandoning self-medication. The appropriateness of using this tool can only be confirmed by a qualified specialist. Therefore, before starting therapy, it is necessary to consult with your doctor.

With colitis

Potatoes are on the list of allowed foods for this disease. However, you need to cook it with a minimum amount of salt.

With gout

Doctors allow patients suffering from gout to eat potatoes in any form. The dishes in which it is included will not only please you with excellent taste, but it will also saturate the body with microelements that have a beneficial effect on bone tissues and joints.

With hemorrhoids

This product is also indispensable in the treatment of hemorrhoids. It contains a large number of:

• fiber;
• pectin substances;
• nitrogenous components;
• starch.

These components have enveloping and wound healing properties. They will help heal microcracks that can form during the development of this disease and stop bleeding.

With cholecystitis

The antispasmodic, enveloping and other healing properties of potatoes make it an indispensable product in the treatment of cholecystitis. Patients suffering from this disease note that with regular use of the root crop, the symptoms characteristic of cholecystitis decrease, and the general condition of the body improves.

Potato-based traditional medicine recipes

Potatoes are widely used in folk medicine and are used to treat many diseases. Experts say that the use of compounds based on potato or its derivatives will help to cope:

• with colds at any stage of their development;
• an ulcer;
• heart and vascular diseases;
• acute allergic reactions;
• cancer diseases
• acute or chronic gastritis;
• frequent heartburn;
• diabetes mellitus.

There are many healing recipes, the basis of which is potato and its derivatives, but the following are considered the most popular and effective.

Potato juice

Potato juice helps to completely cleanse the body of toxins and toxins accumulated in it.

To prepare a cleaning agent you will need:

• potatoes;
• carrot.

From high-quality, peeled vegetables, squeeze an equal amount of juice and mix it. Use the resulting mixture every morning half an hour before meals for 10 days.

Potato juice will also help in the treatment of heart disease. To normalize the work of the cardiovascular system, 100 ml of pure potato juice should be drunk for 21 days (3 times a day).

Compresses

Potato compresses are used to treat colds. They help reduce swelling of the upper respiratory tract, have excellent warming and expectorant properties.

To prepare a potato compress, you will need several pieces of boiled root crops. They need to be kneaded to a mushy state, put the resulting mass into a section of thin, natural tissue and placed on bronchial zones. Keep the compress for 1 hour. Do this until complete recovery.

Doctors draw the attention of patients to the fact that cough treatment with potato compresses should be abandoned if the patient has a fever. In addition, compresses are forbidden to put to children who have not reached the age of four.

Compresses from crushed raw potatoes will help to cope with the pain localized in the joints.

To prepare an anesthetic, you will need:

• 300 g of potatoes;
• 300 g horseradish.

You need to grind the ingredients with a grater, mix them, apply to the joints and tightly cover with cellophane. Leave this compress overnight. The next morning the pain will become much less or completely disappear.

Potato inhalation

Inhalations are used to treat acute respiratory infections. To remove the unpleasant symptoms of a cold, you need to boil a few tubers of potatoes and breathe it in steam for no more than 10 minutes, covered with a thick towel.

Decoctions

Treatment with potato broth helps to cope with diseases of the cardiovascular system and remove excess fluid from the body.

To prepare this product, you need to boil a few clean potatoes in a small amount of purified water. Remove the tubers, cool the broth and consume it 3 times a week in a glass.

Tinctures

This folk remedy has a beneficial effect on the whole body and helps to cope with fungal diseases.

To prepare potato tincture you will need:

• 10 g of potato flowers;
• 1 cup boiling water.

Cooking method
Put potato flowers in a thermos. Add the indicated amount of liquid to them. Let it brew for 4 hours.

Tincture taken chilled. Store in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days.

Therapists advise caution in treating folk recipes and strongly recommend giving up self-medication. Before starting such therapy, it is recommended to consult with your doctor. Only a qualified specialist will be able to evaluate the appropriateness of treatment, taking into account all the features of the disease, the rate of its development and the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Potatoes in cosmetology

Potato is widely used in cosmetology and helps to preserve the beauty and youth of the skin.In addition, home-made cosmetics, which include this root vegetable, will help to improve the condition of the hair, return them lost shine and beauty.

For face

Potato masks have a beneficial effect on the skin of the face. They saturate the skin with a large amount of nutrients, perfectly moisturize, bleach, have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory properties and have no contraindications.

There are many effective home remedies that include potatoes, but the following are considered the most popular.

Peeling potato mask
To prepare this unique cosmetic product you will need:

• 10 g mashed potatoes;
• some honey;
• the yolk of one egg;
• olive or sunflower oil.

Mix all the ingredients in the specified amount, apply the resulting mass to the skin of the face and hold for no more than 10 minutes. After the specified time, the mask must be washed off with water at a comfortable temperature and apply a nourishing cream.

The mask will help cleanse the pores of dirt and prevent the formation of acne.

Acne and Acne Mask
To prepare this potato mask, you need to prepare 1 raw potato and a knife.

Cut the peeled tuber into thin circles, place on the problem areas of the skin, take a comfortable position and hold the mask for 20-30 minutes. After the specified time, the potatoes should be removed from the skin. In this case, washing or wiping the face is prohibited.

Anti-inflammatory potato mask
To prepare this tool, you need such components:

• Fresh carrots
• raw potatoes;
• purified boiled water;
• 10 g of flour.

Grind vegetables until smoothie, take 10 g each and mix with the rest of the ingredients. The resulting mixture must be applied to the skin of the face, withstand 15-20 minutes, then rinse with clean, running water.

Anti-aging potato mask
To prepare an anti-aging agent from potatoes, you need only 3 ingredients:

• milk;
• potatoes;
• carrot juice.

10 g of mashed potato cooked in cow's milk, mix with 20 g of juice, apply on face and leave for 15 minutes. Remove the mask with a sponge and wash with clean water without using soap and other cleansers.

Important: cosmetologists recommend a test for allergic reactions before using home cosmetics. It is necessary to apply any of the above cosmetics on the inside of the elbow, soak for 5-10 minutes and rinse. If a rash or redness appears at the place of application of the mask, you must refuse to use the product.

For hair

A few potato-based effective recipes can help keep your hair looking beautiful for years to come.

Mask for normal hair
A mask prepared from such components will help improve the condition of normal hair and protect them from the effects of the external environment:

• 2 yolks;
• 2 potato tubers;
• 5 g of honey;
• 5 g of vegetable oil.

Grind the potatoes and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Apply the resulting mass to dry, dirty hair, hold for 30-40 minutes, then rinse off the mask with plenty of room temperature water and wash your hair with the usual shampoo.

Means for oily hair
To prepare this potato mask you need the following ingredients:

• 70 ml of potato juice;
• 200 ml fat-free kefir.

Mix the ingredients, distribute the resulting mixture over the entire length of the hair, wrap the head with a warm terry towel and hold for 30–40 minutes. Wash off the mask with the usual shampoo.

Honey and potato mask for dry and brittle hair
To prepare the mask you will need:

• 3 potato juice;
• the yolk of one egg;
• 2 large spoons of honey.

Place all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Apply the resulting mass to clean, dry hair and leave for 25-30 minutes. Rinse off with warm running water without using shampoo.

Harm and contraindications

Potato has a huge amount of useful properties and has a beneficial effect on the human body, but only if it is consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption of this root crop will lead to weight gain.

In addition, doctors do not recommend eating potatoes, the peel of which has acquired a green tint. This indicates that the level of solanine increased in the vegetable. This toxin can have a negative effect on the human body and provoke the development of dangerous diseases.

Doctors advise giving up the use of this product and its derivatives to those people who suffer:

• from a variety of sexually transmitted diseases;
• urolithiasis;
• enterocolitis;
• enteritis;
• flatulence;
• obesity.

How to choose and store potatoes

Useful properties have only high quality products. This also applies to potatoes. To purchase quality potatoes, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. Appearance. Quality tubers will have an attractive appearance. Pieces of land, grass or clay should not remain on them.
2. The size. It is better to choose medium-sized potatoes. The composition of such tubers includes a minimum amount of harmful components.
3. Structure. Potatoes should have a dense structure. Soft, sluggish tubers are of poor quality, and their use will not bring any benefit.
4. The presence of sprouts. It is better to refuse to buy sprouted potatoes.
5. Smell. Quality tubers should not have an unpleasant odor. Its presence indicates that the vegetable is infected with pathogenic bacteria.

Experts recommend storing potatoes in a dark, dry, cool place. The ideal temperature for storing this root crop is considered to be 5 degrees Celsius.

Is it possible to freeze

Freezing is a popular way to store potatoes. In order for the root crop to retain the maximum amount of nutrients, it must be frozen correctly:

1. Rinse tubers under running water at room temperature.
2. Remove all peel from it.
3. Cut potatoes in any convenient way.
4. Pour the chopped vegetables with cold water and leave for 20 minutes.
5. After the indicated time, place the chopped potatoes in a container of boiling water and bring to a boil.
6. Boil the vegetables for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Drain all the liquid and dry the potatoes.
8. Place dried potato slices in a bag, remove as much air from it as possible and put in the freezer.

Potato rules

Like any other product, potatoes must be consumed correctly. Excessive or improper consumption of this root crop will lead to the development of dangerous diseases that will require a long and complicated treatment.

How much can you eat per day

Doctors recommend consuming no more than 250 g of boiled or oven-baked potatoes. Consumption of the indicated amount of potatoes will help saturate the body with vitamins, macro- and microelements necessary for the normal functioning of all internal organs and systems.

Is it possible to eat raw potatoes

Raw potatoes contain a huge amount of useful substances and are allowed for use not only by adults, but also by children. However, doctors note that raw potatoes will benefit the body only if:

1. On its surface there will be no sprouts.
2. The peel of the vegetable is painted in normal color and does not have a green tint.
3. There are no signs of spoilage on the surface of the potato, including signs of rotting or mold.

Can I eat at night

Specialists claim that potatoes are a light product and are quickly digested.Therefore, it can be eaten at bedtime, but only in limited quantities. Excessive consumption of any product before going to bed will lead to a number of undesirable consequences.

Is it possible to eat sprouted potatoes

Doctors advise to abandon the use of potatoes, which appeared more than 5-8 sprouts. In such a tuber, the content of solanine increases, which is a toxin and can harm human health. Potatoes, which have become soft and covered with a large number of sprouts, are forbidden to eat. It is better to throw such tubers and not risk health.

Can I eat potatoes in a post

During fasting it is forbidden to eat animal products. Potatoes do not belong to them, so it can be consumed in any form without the use of animal fats during cooking.

How to cook potatoes: recipes

Potatoes are widely used to prepare many dishes, so there are many recipes for every taste.

How to fry

It's hard to find someone who doesn't know the taste of fried potatoes. To prepare this popular dish you will need:

• potatoes;
• sunflower oil;
• salt and spices.

Stages of preparation:

1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water.
2. Peel the vegetables.
3. Cut the potatoes into thin slices.
4. Place the pan over medium heat and pour sunflower oil into it.
5. Sprinkle the chopped potatoes into a skillet, add salt and spices to taste.

Ready potatoes will become soft and aromatic. Serve the finished dish in a warm form, with salad and meat.

How to boil

Stages of cooking boiled potatoes:

1. Wash the potatoes in clean water.
2. Peel each tuber.
3. Cut the potatoes into small cubes and place in an enamel bowl filled with clean cold water.
4. Put the pot on medium heat and bring to a boil.
5. Remove the foam.
6. Add salt.
7. Bring the potatoes to a high heat over medium heat.
8. Drain the water.
9. Serve hot with finely chopped dill and butter.

Oven baked potatoes

Baked potatoes have a unique taste and will help not only to diversify the daily menu, but also to decorate the holiday table.

For cooking you will need:

• 1 kg of quality potatoes;
• 30 ml of vegetable oil;
• salt and spices to taste.

Stages of preparation:

1. Rinse the potatoes under running water and remove all the peel.
2. Cut it into small slices.
3. Put the chopped potatoes in a baking dish, add oil, salt and spices.
4. Place the mold in the oven, preheated to 200 degrees Celsius.
5. Bake potatoes for 1 hour.
6. Serve hot with a fresh vegetable salad.

Potato pancakes

This dish will especially appeal to young children. To prepare it you will need:

• 1 kg of potatoes;
• 1.5 cups flour;
• eggs
• salt and spices.

Cooking method:

1. Grind peeled tubers on a fine grater.
2. Add salt, spices and eggs to the resulting mass.
3. Insert flour into the dough.
4. Form small cakes in a pan and fry them on both sides.
5. Serve the pancakes warm with a little sour cream.

How to make potato chips

Potato chips are liked not only by children, but also by adults. This dish will help to diversify the daily menu and will please the household with its taste characteristics.

For the preparation of chips you will need only 2 ingredients:

• quality potatoes;
• vegetable oil.

Cooking chips does not take too much time. The process consists of several stages:

1. Peel potatoes of dirt and peel.
2. Cut it into thin rings.
3. Dry by laying on a piece of clean, natural fabric.
4. Pour 100-150 ml of vegetable oil into the pan.
5. Put the chips in the pan portionwise.
6. When the potato gains a golden hue, remove it from the oil using a slotted spoon.

Can animals be given potatoes

Veterinarians allow potatoes to be added to the daily pet menu. However, the quantity of this product should be strictly limited. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing disorders in the gastrointestinal tract and other undesirable consequences.

In addition, veterinarians strictly prohibit the feeding of cats and dogs with potatoes if:

1. The animal did not reach the age of one year.
2. A cat or dog carries offspring or feeds babies.
3. The pet has an individual intolerance to the product.
4. The animal was diagnosed with a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract.

Potatoes are added not only to the diet of pets. It is also part of balanced feeds that are made for cattle.

Interesting facts about potatoes

Many people know about the use and unique properties of this product, but only a few know about such facts:

1. This root crop belongs to the nightshade family, which speaks of its relationship with tomatoes and eggplant.
2. Berries that grow on potato bushes are very toxic.
3. Wild potatoes are still found in South America.
4. North America got to know this product later than European countries.
5. In modern Russia, potatoes were not immediately accepted. For this, the Russians took almost 100 years.
6. Iodine falling on the peeled fruit turns it blue.
7. The most expensive variety of this root crop costs about 500 euros.
8. Potato is the first vegetable that humans have been able to grow in space.

Potato is a truly unique product. It is eaten around the world, used for industrial purposes and added to animal feed. The benefit of this root crop for the human body is difficult to overestimate. However, it is worth remembering that each product can be not only useful, but also harmful if you use it in excessive quantities and neglect contraindications.

Potato photo