Diets and Nutrition

What is potato peel good for? The best uses and benefits

By Eloísa Carmona - 2020-05-13T09:59:53Z
The potato is a great ingredient as it is nutritious, economical, and, above all, yields a lot when it comes to cooking. However, you might be wasting a part of it without knowing the benefits of potato skins.Although most of the time, potatoes are cooked without their skin, potato peels are also edible and make a great snack that you can pair with some dip.The main function of potato skin is to protect the nutrients found in the tuber, so peeling it causes nutrient loss. Additionally, not only is it good to eat, but the skin could also serve as a natural remedy for healthy skin and to prevent various diseases.Uses of potato skin in cookingContrary to what we thought, potato skin is not waste and can be eaten boiled or fried. It is very nutritious and is a great source of potassium, protein, vitamin C, complex carbohydrates, vitamin B6, niacin, and thiamine.It contains iron, an essential mineral that helps red blood cell function, and the fiber it has aids in metabolism improvement. Additionally, it also contains antioxidants, phytoenzymes, and phytonutrients that add value to your diet.You can eat them simply fried as a snack, or you can also use them as baked potatoes, stuffing the filling and leaving the skin as an edible container.The potato wedges, for example, are one of the versions of potatoes that are eaten with the skin and are delicious. See how to cut them here.If you think that potatoes make you gain weight and you are hesitant to include them in your meals, use the skin instead.See more delicious potato recipes here.Benefits of potato skin for healthThanks to its high nutrient content, potato skin has many benefits for our body.For example, it contains vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant. Meanwhile, B-complex vitamins and calcium are also present in potato skin, playing a vital role in promoting immune activity to maintain a healthy immune system.Potato skin is also an effective home remedy for treating skin burns. It acts as an antibacterial agent that helps hydrate the skin and serves as a conventional dressing for minor burns.Additionally, it could help lighten skin marks, as it contains phenolic compounds, antibacterial agents, and antioxidants that have a mild whitening effect. To use it for this purpose, rub the potato skin on dark spots caused by tanning and under-eye circles. Regular use will help to slightly lighten the skin.Finally, potato skin provides energy to the body. Potato skin contains two essential elements: niacin and vitamin B3, which promote bodily energy. Niacin converts carbohydrates into energy.For both your skin and your body, potato skin has multiple uses and serves many purposes, so next time you peel potatoes, don’t throw away the skin!