Is potato skin healthy? Nutrition facts
Posted in Food & Drinks and tagged with calcium, Health, healthy diet, nutrition on 04/17/2010 02:56 am by adminPotato skins have lots of necessary nutrients which are unknown to most of people. Realize the nutrition facts of potato skin and decide your self.
In Ancient times, the skins of potato were peeled of prior to cooking with the thought that the potato would be cleaner and therefore healthier. But, Potato skins store many nutrients and also contain a lot of fiber, which is essential for a healthy diet. If potato is cooked with the potatoes skin, it is more nutritious than Meals that made without potato skin. Potato skins are a snack food or appetizer. Especially, the potato skin has a high concentration of potassium that is necessary for cellular body functions. A slight insufficiency of potassium in the body can cause salt sensitivity and high blood pressure. Recently, scientists have revealed a compound ‘kukoamine’ in potatoes, which helps to lower the blood pressure.
The skin of potato is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. 18% of the recommended daily allowance of iron and 7.5 grams of protein are contained by Potato and potato skins, which is rarely found in vegetables in such high concentrations. It also contains a variety of phytonutrients, which are a natural source of antioxidants that help to prevent cellular worsening of the body. The phytonutrients present in potatoes include carotenoids, flavonoids, and caffeic acid. Potato contains the protein called patatin which works as an effective antioxidant and helps to lower blood pressure. Also, it provides protection against heart disease and cancer.
Nutrients that are present in potato skins:
- Fat
- Saturated Fat
- Polyunsaturated Fat
- Monounsaturated Fat
- Cholesterol
- Protein
- Carbohydrate:
- Dietary Fiber
- Minerals:
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Vitamins:
- Vitamin C
- Thiamin
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Folate
- Vitamin B-6
There are many delicious ways to prepare potato skins. Most of the nutrients are contained right below the skin and also skin is a concentrated source of dietary fiber, so avoid peeling when possible. Potato skins are made of small, flat circular or oval pieces of potatoes with skin on one side and a quarter-inch or so of fleshy potato on the other. Some times, the fleshy side is covered with bacon, cheddar cheese, and anything else that might be found on a baked potato.
