[Health and Wellness] Eating 10 apples is not as good as eating 1 potato, it regulates blood pressure, replenishes vitamins, and makes you look younger.

Potatoes are one of the top ten popular nutritious and healthy foods, known as the "underground apple" and the "second bread." The starch in potatoes mainly consists of large molecule clusters, which are slow to absorb and provide a strong sense of satiety. Additionally, potatoes have low calories, approximately only one-sixth of that in flour and rice. They are almost fat-free.

Eating one potato a day is better than eating 10 apples:

1. Rich in vitamins:

Potatoes contain carotene and vitamin C, which are not found in cereal grains. The vitamin C content in potatoes is 10 times that of apples! Potatoes also have the highest vitamin content among all cereal crops, with double the amount of carrots, triple that of cabbage, quadruple that of tomatoes, and four times the B vitamins compared to apples.

2. Rich in high-quality protein:

Fresh potatoes contain about 1.5% to 2.0% protein, which is approximately 6% to 8% on a dry weight basis, similar to rice. Although the protein content is not very high, the quality is excellent. The proportion of essential amino acids in potatoes is similar to that of eggs and higher than various legume proteins, making it a high-quality protein.

3. Rich in potassium:

Potatoes are also a super-rich source of potassium. The potassium content reaches 200-400mg/100g, surpassing even the legendary potassium-rich bananas, but at a much lower cost. This is particularly beneficial for patients with hypertension, stroke, gout, and hyperuricemia. If potatoes are used to replace some white rice or white bread, it can easily increase potassium intake by several hundred milligrams or even over a thousand milligrams. Additionally, it can effectively increase the intake of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Potatoes are a little helper in preventing and treating the "three highs":

Potatoes also have excellent effects in preventing and treating the "three highs," mainly due to the presence of resistant starch. 

1. Prevents constipation and diarrhea:

Resistant starch cannot be digested in the small intestine but helps maintain a balanced intestinal flora in the gastrointestinal tract. It relieves constipation, diarrhea, and even prevents colon cancer.

2. Lowers blood sugar and blood lipid levels:

This type of starch is more difficult to digest compared to other starches, resulting in slower digestion, absorption, and entry into the bloodstream. It can also interfere with and slow down the absorption of sugar, thereby reducing blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. It is very helpful in controlling blood sugar and blood lipid levels.

3. Aids in weight loss:

Resistant starch has properties similar to soluble fiber and has certain slimming effects. In recent years, it has become popular among those who pursue beauty.

4. Lowers blood pressure:

Potatoes are a high-potassium, low-sodium food, which can assist in lowering blood pressure. It is especially suitable for people with hypertension and edema-related obesity.

Double the benefits of eating potatoes this way:

Raw potatoes contain 50% to 70% resistant starch. However, raw potatoes are not easily digested by the stomach and intestines. After boiling, the resistant starch content decreases to around 10%. But when boiled potatoes are cooled, they undergo a process of retrogradation, and the resistant starch will increase exponentially again. Additionally, the vitamin C in potatoes is heat-resistant. The resistant starch protects vitamin C from being easily destroyed. Therefore, when eating potatoes, it is recommended to cook them and let them cool before consumption.

Potatoes can help with these minor ailments:

1. Relieves pain from sprains:

When the face is swollen and hot, peeling potatoes and slicing them thinly and applying them to the face will provide a cool and comfortable sensation. After a while, the swollen and hot face will feel relieved. Applying raw potato slices to the injured area can help alleviate swelling and pain. For mild pain from minor burns, besides immediate cold water rinsing, you can also apply a slice of raw potato to help relieve swelling and pain.

2. Helps reduce swelling:

When the face is swollen and hot, peeling potatoes and slicing them thinly and applying them to the face will provide a cool and comfortable sensation. After a while, the swollen and hot face will feel relieved.

3. Helps with acne:

When acne first starts to appear, if there is some slight discomfort or swelling, immediately apply raw potato slices on top. After half an hour, replace them, repeating several times. This will prevent the small pimple from developing further.

4. Relieves knee pain:

Mash raw potatoes and ginger together and apply it to the red and swollen joints to relieve pain.

5. Alleviates pain from shingles:

For pain caused by shingles in the elderly, apply raw potato slices to the affected areas and drink warm water. Rubbing the soles of the feet can help alleviate discomfort.

6. Resists cold in winter:

Potatoes, like Chinese yam, have the functions of nourishing qi and promoting blood circulation. Therefore, eating potatoes once a day during winter can effectively resist the cold.

7. Relieves constipation:

Every 100 grams of potatoes contain 6 grams of dietary fiber, which makes them the preferred treatment for constipation. Method: Peel and chop the potatoes, then use a juicer to extract the juice. Pour the extracted potato juice into a pot and simmer it over low heat. When the potato juice becomes thick, add an appropriate amount of honey and mix well. After it cools, store it in the refrigerator. Drink it once a day, two spoonfuls each time, on an empty stomach.