Potato starch: benefits and harms

Potato starch is a derivative of potatoes and is widely used not only in home and professional cooking, but also in cosmetology, medicine and many other industries. However, despite this prevalence, only a few are aware of the features of this product, its beneficial composition and healing properties. This is what will be discussed in today's article.

Types of Potato Starch

Specialists divide raw potato starch into several varieties that differ in the amount of moisture contained in the product:

1. Brand A. Grade A potato starch contains from 38 to 40% liquid.
2. Brand B. Starch from potato tubers with brand B contains from 50 to 52% moisture.

Each of the brands of starch, in turn, is divided into several varieties:

1. First and second grade. Products of the 1st and 2nd grade are considered high quality. Such starch is colored white, it does not contain any impurities and odors.
2. Third grade. The third grade starch is characterized by the presence of a grayish color and a slightly sour aroma. However, as for the first two varieties, the presence of impurities is unacceptable.

What is the difference between corn starch and potato

Potato and corn starch are similar products. They can be used to cook the same dishes. However, there are still differences between the two products:

1. Colour. The first distinguishing characteristic is the color of the crude product. Potato starch is white, sometimes slightly bluish, while corn starch is yellowish.
2. Consistency. You can also distinguish corn starch from potato starch by the consistency of the raw product. Potato is slightly crispy to the touch, while the consistency of corn resembles ordinary wheat flour.
3. Consistency of the finished product. Ready potato starch has a thick consistency, while the density of corn starch will be much less.
4. Raw materials. Perhaps the main difference between corn starch and potato is the raw material from which they are made. For the first, corn is used, and for the second, potato tubers.
5. Carbohydrate content. Corn starch, unlike potato, contains a small amount of carbohydrates.

What is more useful: potato or corn starch

If we talk about the beneficial properties of these products, it is extremely difficult to identify a clear leader. Both corn and potato starch contain many nutrients, which in turn help:

• improve the functioning of the human immune system;
• charge the human body with a lot of energy;
• lower blood sugar.

Based on this, we can say that the benefits of these two products are equivalent.

Is it possible to replace corn starch with potato

Interestingly, these two products are interchangeable.If during the preparation of a dish of corn starch was not at hand, you can safely replace it with potato. The only condition is that its amount should be 2 times less, since the density of the finished potato starch will be greater.

Composition and calorie content

Per 100 g of potato starch accounts for 0.34 g of fat, 6.90 g of protein, 6.52 g of water, 3.14 g of ash and 83.10 g of carbohydrates. The calorific value of this product is quite high - 357 calories per 100 g of starch.

Potato starch contains a large amount of nutrients. Per 100 g of this unique product accounts for:

• 0.3 mg of vitamin E;
• 25.0 mcg of vitamin B9;
• 3.8 mg of vitamin C;
• 0.8 mg of vitamin B6;
• 0.2 mg of vitamin B1;
• 0.5 mg of vitamin B5;
• 0.1 mg of vitamin B2;
• 39.5 mg of vitamin B4;
• 3.5 mg of vitamin B3.

Potato starch also contains a large amount of minerals. 100 g of product contain:

• 65.0 mg calcium;
• 1.1 μg selenium;
• 1.4 mg of iron;
• 0.3 mg manganese;
• 65.0 mg of magnesium;
• 0.2 mg of copper;
• 168.0 mg phosphorus;
• 0.5 mg of zinc;
• 1001.0 mg potassium;
• 55.0 mg sodium.

What is potato starch good for?

General benefit

Due to its rich composition, starch is able to exert a beneficial effect on the entire human body, helping:

• lower blood cholesterol;
• remove excess fluid from the body;
• stop the development of inflammatory processes;
• prevent the formation of cancerous tumors;
• improve the functioning of the immune system;
• establish metabolic processes in the human body;
• improve the digestive system;
• prevent the development of cardiovascular disease;
• reduce acidity;
• prevent the development of peptic ulcers.

For women

Starch has an amazing effect on the female body. Regular consumption of this product will help not only prevent the occurrence of dangerous diseases, but also preserve the female beauty, providing a rejuvenating effect on the skin, strengthening and healing hair and nails. This unique product is able to positively affect a woman’s body, not only from the inside, but also from the outside. Due to this feature, it is part of many home cosmetics.

For men

Potato starch is also indispensable for the male body. Regular use of this product helps:

1. Saturate the body with a large amount of energy, which is especially important for hard-working men.
2. Prevent the development of vitamin deficiency.
3. Preserve bone strength.
4. Prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases from which men suffer more often than women.

It is worth noting that potato starch can manifest all its useful properties only if it is used in moderation. Excessive consumption of this product will have the opposite effect.

During pregnancy

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of starch during pregnancy. Regular use of this product will help a pregnant woman prevent many problems. Their list includes:

• frequent colds;
• heartburn;
• spoilage of teeth;
• metabolic disease;
• swelling
• disorders in the hormonal background;
• hair loss;
• spoilage of nails;
• irritability and other restless conditions.

It is worth noting the fact that the use of starch during the period of gestation contributes to the proper formation of bone tissue of the fetus, which is possible due to the composition of this unique product.

When breastfeeding

Doctors advise young mothers to include in the daily menu homemade jelly, an invariable component of which is potato starch. This product is not able to harm a newborn baby. It has a positive effect on a woman’s weakened body:

• removes toxins;
• eliminates excess fluid;
• prevents the development of diseases of the liver and pancreas;
• improves the gastrointestinal tract;
• prevents exacerbation of chronic diseases such as gastritis and ulcers;
• removes harmful cholesterol from the body;
• normalizes metabolic processes;
• improves the immune system;
• prevents the development of anxiety and depression;
• strengthens nails and restores hair.

For children

In childhood, starch is no less useful. However, to introduce dishes containing this product in the daily diet of the child is with extreme caution. In some cases, potato starch can cause severe allergies. The appearance of a rash, redness on the skin, itching or a restless state of the child after eating potato starch in one form or another - these symptoms indicate that the product should be completely excluded from the daily menu and consult your doctor.

In the absence of allergic reactions, the use of potato starch will help improve the digestive organs of the child, strengthen his bone tissue, teeth and immunity.

When losing weight

Despite the high calorie content, nutritionists are not advised to completely exclude potato starch from the daily diet. Regular consumption of this unique product helps:

1. To cope with such a problem as insulin resistance, which is one of the main reasons for the accumulation of a large amount of body fat.
2. Improve the intestinal microflora, nourishing it with a large number of useful substances.
3. Reduce appetite.
4. Prevent the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Despite all these amazing properties of the product, the benefits of its use can be seen only if taken correctly. As an ingredient in your favorite desserts, pastries, or other familiar dishes, starch will not help you lose weight. It will be useful only as a component of a healthy, proper diet and in small quantities.

The benefits and harms of jelly from potato starch

Most often, potato starch is used to make jelly. This drink is not only distinguished by its special taste, but also by its many beneficial properties. Its regular use helps:

• normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
• improve digestive processes;
• reduce acidity;
• saturate the human body with vitamins, macro- and microelements.

Kissel can be made from a variety of products, including from:

• berries;
• a variety of fruits;
• fruit and berry juices;
• milk;
• oatmeal.

At the same time, oatmeal is considered one of the most wholesome drinks. Such a drink contains in its composition a large number of amino acids, vitamins and other beneficial components. In addition to the standard effects of jelly, a drink made of starch and oatmeal can prevent the development of problems from the immune, cardiovascular system.

Kissel, the main component of which is cranberries, will help to cope with the manifestations of colds and improve visual acuity. Eating a meal based on fresh apples will help prevent vitamin deficiency and anemia.

Some types of jelly can be included in the diet, the purpose of which is to reduce weight. They will help suppress hunger and can replace one of the meals, which helps to get rid of extra pounds.

However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that in some cases, jelly can have the opposite effect on the human body. This is only possible if a person has certain contraindications that include the complete or partial exclusion of a drink from the daily diet:

• personal intolerance to one of the components of jelly;
• diabetes;
• persistent constipation.

In other cases, jelly is not capable of harming human health in any way.

How to make jelly

Of course, you can talk about the beneficial properties of the drink only if it is prepared at home. In this case, the preparation of this drink does not take much time and effort.

To make homemade jelly, prepare the following ingredients:

• 800 g of sweet cherry;
• 150 g of sugar;
• 40 g of starch;
• 800 ml of purified water.

During cooking, follow the instructions:

1. Rinse the cherries in clean running water at a comfortable temperature.
2. Remove the seeds from the berries and remove the stalks.
3. Squeeze the juice in any convenient way and refrigerate.
4. Bring the pulp to a boil in a small amount of water and leave to cool completely.
5. When the broth has cooled, strain it through a fine sieve, pour sugar and bring to a boil again.
6. Pour diluted in a small amount of cherry juice into this mixture, starch and mix thoroughly.
7. Cook the mixture until it reaches the desired density.
8. Pour the sweet cherry juice into the jelly and let cool.

Kissel can be served both hot and cold. Instead of cherries, use any other berries or fruits and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.

Potato starch in medicine

Potato starch is widely used not only in cooking, but also in medicine. Funds that include this unique product can stop development

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• acute inflammatory processes;
• skin diseases, including various childhood dermatitis.

With diabetes

According to qualified doctors, potato starch may be included in the diabetic menu, but only in strictly limited quantities. The need to limit the consumption of this product arises from the high content of calories in it, which can lead to a sharp increase in weight. However, in small quantities, this product is able to have a unique effect on the diabetic:

• prevent the development of cardiovascular disease;
• reduce the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood;
• remove from the body accumulations of toxins and toxins;
• prevent disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system;
• normalize metabolism.

With pancreatitis

During the treatment of pancreatitis, starch is also an indispensable product. He is able to improve the pancreas, relieve unpleasant symptoms of the disease, stop the development of the inflammatory process and accelerate the healing process. At the same time, jelly is the ideal starch-containing dish that doctors recommend introducing into the daily menu of patients suffering from pancreatitis. It perfectly satisfies hunger, has good enveloping properties and saturates the body with a large amount of nutrients.

With gastritis

Gastroenterologists strongly recommend that potato starch be added to the daily diet of patients suffering from acute or chronic gastritis. It will help speed up the healing process, relieve acute pain and significantly reduce the risks of relapse.

Potato starch shows its unique properties both with regular and systematic use.

For the intestines

But for the intestines, the benefits of starch are relative.On the one hand, the use of this product helps prevent the development of peptic ulcers and other inflammatory processes in the intestine, and on the other hand, it can lead to stagnation of feces and aggravate the condition of those people who often suffer from constipation. Therefore, those patients who suffer from intestinal diseases are advised to consult their physician before introducing starchy foods into their daily diet.

With hemorrhoids

Many doctors agree that potato starch is an excellent tool in the first and second stages of hemorrhoids. This tool is ideal for those patients for whom medications are contraindicated. Starch will help relieve acute pain that is characteristic of this disease, strengthen blood vessels, stop the development of inflammatory processes, relieve irritation and severe itching, and accelerate the healing of microcracks.

Potato starch in cosmetology

Potato starch is widely used in cosmetology. Cosmetics, which include this product, help maintain youthful skin, remove age and facial wrinkles, improve the appearance of dry skin, nourishing it with a large amount of nutrients and preventing the development of inflammatory processes.

In addition, cosmetologists argue that the composition of potato starch is able to beneficially affect oily skin type. Due to the effects of the components contained in this product, the oily sheen disappears and the color of the skin improves.

For face

There are a lot of homemade cosmetics that can help improve the appearance of the skin, but the most popular among girls are the following options.

Anti-aging mask
To prepare this cosmetic product you will need only a few ingredients:

• 30 g of potato starch;
• 75 ml of carrot juice;
• 25 g fatty sour cream;
• 500 ml of purified water.

Dilute the indicated amount of starch in 100 ml of water, the temperature of which should be slightly higher than room temperature. After this, add another 400 ml of water, mix thoroughly and heat the mixture without bringing it to a boil. When the starch dissolves and the liquid thickens, pour the remaining ingredients into it and mix well.

Apply the mask to a clean face in 2-3 layers and soak for 30 minutes. After the specified time, rinse with water without using soap or other cleansers.

Mask with lifting effect
To prepare this tool, you will need:

• 15 g of potato starch;
• 15 ml of purified water;
• 1 chicken egg;
• 5 ml of lemon juice.

Dissolve the starch in the indicated amount of water, add whipped protein and a teaspoon of lemon juice to it. Thoroughly mix the resulting mixture and apply it on the skin of the face and neck. Soak the mask for 30-40 minutes, then rinse with cool, running water.

Repair mask
To prepare this home remedy, take:

• 12 g of potato starch;
• 1 egg yolk;
• 20 g of fresh tomatoes;
• 8 ml of vegetable oil.

Grind the indicated amount of tomatoes to a mushy state and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Apply the resulting mask to the skin of the face and neck for 40 minutes. After the specified time, remove the remaining mask with a sponge and wash with water at a comfortable temperature.

You can also mix starch with cosmetic clay and dilute the composition with water for use.

For hair

Potato starch is also used to restore hair. The most popular home remedies are such options.

Volume mask
To prepare the product, take:

• 1 tomato;
• 20 g of vegetable oil;
• 20 g of starch.

Combine starch with preheated butter. Add the mixture to the mashed tomato and mix thoroughly. Apply the mask over the entire length of the hair, soak for 30 minutes and rinse with running water using the usual shampoo.

Mask for oily hair
To prepare this product, prepare the following ingredients:

• 30 ml of honey;
• 10 g of starch;
• 5 ml of lemon juice.

Add starch and lemon juice to warm, melted honey and apply the resulting mixture to the scalp, distributing its residues along the entire length of the hair. Soak the mask for no more than 40 minutes, then rinse with running water, using the usual shampoo and balm.

Mask for improving the appearance of hair
To prepare this remedy, take:

• 150 ml of kefir;
• 1 egg white
• 10 g of potato starch;
• 5 ml of lemon juice.

Preheat yogurt and add the indicated amount of starch, protein and lemon juice. Thoroughly mix the resulting mixture, and then distribute it along the entire length of the hair. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes and rinse with shampoo.

How to use potato starch in cooking

Potato starch is widely used for the preparation of many dishes. It is necessary during cooking:

• baking;
• jelly;
• sauces;
• creams.

In addition, many housewives prefer to use it as a thickener during the preparation of meat for meatballs or meatballs.

What can be replaced

If the recipe for this or that dish includes potato starch, but it was not in the kitchen, then you should not be upset and refuse the planned food. An excellent substitute for starch is ordinary wheat flour or semolina. These products have similar properties and will not be able to spoil the taste of the finished dish.

Harm and contraindications

Despite its many beneficial properties, potato starch can harm the human body. This is possible if you use this product in unlimited quantities. Excessive consumption of starch will lead to obesity, disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and the development of dangerous diseases.

As for contraindications, starch practically does not have them, since in a small amount it is not capable of harming the body.

How to store potato starch

In order for starch to retain all its useful properties, it is important to observe the product storage standards:

1. Air humidity. Starch should be stored in a room where the humidity should not exceed 75%.
2. Temperature condition. An ideal temperature for starch storage is 20 degrees Celsius.
3. Storage tank. Starch should be stored in a container that can be tightly closed with a tight lid. This will prevent moisture and odors from entering.

Under such conditions, starch can be stored for up to 2 years, while retaining all its useful and healing properties.

How to make potato starch at home

You can cook potato starch at home. To do this, you need only 2 ingredients:

• 1 kg of potatoes;
• 2 liters of water.

Cooking consists of several stages. Follow this instruction:

1. Peel each tuber.
2. Grind potatoes using a meat grinder, grater or blender.
3. Strain the workpiece with gauze.
4. Leave the liquid to stand for 2-3 hours.
5. Gently drain the water, leaving a sediment that has formed at the bottom.
6. Add a small amount of water and leave for another 2 hours.
7. After the specified time, drain the water.
8. Repeat the procedure until the water becomes clear.
9. Drain all liquid.
10. Separate wet starch from the bottom of the container.
11. Put the starch on a piece of natural fabric and leave to dry completely.
12. Sift the dry starch and transfer to a dry container.

Storage conditions and methods of using home starch are no different from what was purchased at the store.

How to make a potato starch slice

Recently, starch slides have gained immense popularity. You can make them yourself.

To do this, you will need:

• ball of any color;
• starch.

Manufacturing steps:

1. Stretch the ball at its base so that starch can be poured into it.
2. Fill the entire ball with starch.
3. Tie a slice with thick thread.
4. Trim the top of the ball.

That's all! The starch slime is ready. Decorate it by drawing a funny face or beautiful patterns.

Interesting facts about potatoes

It is probably impossible to find a person who does not know that any kind of potato can be used to produce potato starch. But only a few know the following facts:

1. Potato belongs to poisonous plants.
2. Berries that grow on potato bushes are very toxic.
3. Botanists attribute potatoes to the genus nightshade, like tomatoes, eggplant, nightshade.
4. The plant came to Europe earlier than to North America.
5. Potatoes were brought into North America only in 1621. Moreover, in Europe by this time he has already managed to become a common food product.
6. Potato variety La Bonnotte is the most expensive in the world. Its price is 500 euros per 1 kg.
7. In 1897–1898, this root crop was more valuable than gold, as it was the only salvation from scurvy.
8. In 1995, potatoes were grown in space.

You can talk a lot about potatoes, as its history goes far into the past and is accompanied by various events. But the main one is the invention of potato starch.

Potato starch is considered a very useful product. But we must not forget that he will be able to beneficially affect the body only if consumed in moderation.

Potato starch photo