Do you throw potato peels down the
garbage disposal? You could be throwing away a lot of healthy stuff. The skins
are high in disease-fighting minerals and fibre that helps you lose weight.
You'll get more nutritious meals from each potato if you include potato skins
in your diet.
High in Fiber
The skin contains half of the spud's fibre. Fibre reduces the risk
of colon cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes by preventing constipation.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, fibre also aids in weight
control. According to Connie Diekman, director of university nutrition at
Washington University in St. Louis, eating meals high in fibre helps minimize
blood sugar slumps, which can cause hunger and lead to mindless snacking.
According to the nutrition school, the number of people does not eat enough
fibre. Up to 50, women require 25 grams of protein per day, while men need 38
grams. Both genders require slightly less fibre after the age of 50. With 2
grams of fibre per ounce, potato skins are a high-fibre food.
Potassium
Potassium, a vital mineral, is abundant in potatoes. Potassium has
been associated with a lower chance of dying from a heart attack, probably due
to its ability to regulate blood pressure. According to the University of
Maryland Medical Center, getting enough potassium lessens your risk of having a
stroke, but only if you get it from food rather than supplements. Potassium may
also help prevent osteoporosis; however, additional research was needed to
prove this link as of 2012. Another potassium benefit: According to Diekman,
eating potassium-rich foods can help avoid water retention, leading to weight
gain.
Other Nutrients
Although citrus fruits are known to be high in vitamin C, potatoes, especially the skins, are also good sources of this immunity-boosting vitamin. B vitamins, calcium, and other minerals are also found in potato skins. Phytochemicals are rich in potato peels. According to the Nutrition Academy, these nutrients are being researched for their ability to protect the body from cancer, heart disease, and other disorders. According to Diekman, potato skins can also be included in a healthy weight-loss diet because they contain no fat, cholesterol, or sodium. Two potato skin halves prepared healthily have only 114 calories.