Did you know there are people who in a bid to lose weight and boost some of their vital observations eat only potato for a year plus. I find this fascinating so thought I'd take a further look - especially as there's a tendency for the potato to get bad press as the 'starchy carbohydrate' - perhaps seen more as a junk food than a nutritionally viable food choice.
As you will know, if you've read last week's Sauerkraut blog, January here at Skin Elixir is all about skin health and radiance so in today's blog we will look at some perhaps lesser known facts about the humble potato and 5 additional foods that are known to bring health and radiance to skin.
So it transpires potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, with one medium-sized potato providing approximately a rather whopping 45% of the recommended daily intake. This is great news for skin. Skin loves vitamin c, the precursor to collagen.
The skins of potatoes contain large amounts of fibre, which can help support digestive health. They also contain a variety of essential minerals, including potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function.
The resistant starch content in potatoes act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and supporting overall gut health. So potentially a very choice for reducing inflammation.
Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making them a suitable choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, and purple and blue potatoes contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been linked to potential health benefits such as reduced inflammation and improved cognitive function.
They are also a low-calorie, filling food that can help with weight management when consumed in moderation and prepared in a healthy way, such as baked or boiled instead of fried. So no wonder they were deemed a super food for the founder of Spud Fit.
So we've established that the humble potato is a pretty damn fine ingredient with skin benefits galore, a source of plentiful vitamin c, and resistant starch, making it a good gut food (and in turn great for skin too - read last week's blog for more on that).
To follow is a compendium of 5 other foods known to bring health and radiance to skin:
1. Salmon
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and keep skin moisturised, leading to a radiant complexion.
2. Avocado
Avocados are high in healthy fats and antioxidants, which can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also contain vitamin E, which is important for skin health.
3. Sweet potatoes
The potato again..sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin and can help improve skin tone and texture.
4. Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. They also contain vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and can help keep the skin looking youthful and radiant.
5. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that can help support overall skin health. They also contain zinc, which is important for wound healing and can help reduce the appearance of acne and other skin issues.
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