The benefits and harms of potato starch - 7 beneficial properties for the body

Types of potato starch

Experts divide raw potato starch into several varieties, which differ in the amount of moisture contained in the product:

Brand A.
Potato starch grade A contains from 38 to 40% liquid.
Brand B.
Starch from potato tubers with brand B contains from 50 to 52% moisture.

Each grade of starch is in turn divided into several grades:

First and second grade.
Products of 1st and 2nd grade are considered high quality. This starch is white in color and does not contain any impurities or foreign odors.
Third grade.
Third grade starch is characterized by a grayish color and a slightly sour aroma. However, as for the first two grades, the presence of impurities is unacceptable.

What is the difference between corn starch and potato starch?

Potato starch and corn starch are similar products. They can be used to prepare the same dishes. However, there are still differences between these two products:

Color.
The first distinguishing characteristic is the color of the raw product. Potato starch is white, sometimes slightly bluish, while corn starch is yellowish.
Consistency.
You can also distinguish corn starch from potato starch by the consistency of the raw product. Potato has a slightly crunchy feel, while corn has the consistency of regular wheat flour.
Consistency of the finished product.
Ready-made potato starch has a thick consistency, while the thickness of corn starch will be much less.
Raw materials.
Perhaps the main difference between corn starch and potato starch is the raw materials from which they are made. To prepare the first, corn is used, and for the second, potato tubers are used.
Carbohydrate content.
Corn starch, unlike potato starch, contains a small amount of carbohydrates.

Which is healthier: potato starch or corn starch?

If we talk about the beneficial properties of these products, then it is extremely difficult to identify a clear leader. Both corn and potato starch contain many nutrients, which in turn help:

improve the functioning of the human immune system;
charge the human body with a lot of energy;
reduce blood sugar levels.

Based on this, we can say that the benefits of these two products are equivalent.

Is it possible to replace corn starch with potato starch?

Interestingly, these two products are interchangeable. If you don’t have corn starch on hand when preparing a particular dish, you can safely replace it with potato starch. The only condition is that the quantity should be 2 times less, since the density of the finished potato starch will be greater.

Medical use

If you want to get the maximum benefit from potato starch, for example, speed up weight loss, then you need to take it as follows.

Start taking ¼ teaspoon per day, gradually increasing the dose. 1 tablespoon contains 8 grams of resistant starch. To improve the functioning of the body, it is enough to consume 15-30 grams daily. That is, 2-4 tablespoons.

In most cases, you should stop at 2 tablespoons per day. Higher doses often cause side effects in the form of unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.

It makes no sense to take more than 30 grams. Since the intestinal microflora is not able to absorb more than this amount. And all the excess starch is simply thrown out along with the feces.

The therapeutic effect of using resistant carbohydrate will not be noticeable immediately, but after a few weeks, when the consumption dose reaches 15 grams and a sufficient amount of butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids are formed in the body.

Starch can be added to vegetable smoothies and fermented milk products. It is wise to take along with probiotics.

Composition and calorie content

Per 100 g of potato starch there are 0.34 g of fat, 6.90 g of protein, 6.52 g of water, 3.14 g of ash and 83.10 g of carbohydrates. The calorie content of this product is quite high - 357 calories per 100 g of starch.

Potato starch contains a large amount of nutrients. Per 100 g of this unique product there is:

0.3 mg vitamin E;
25.0 mcg vitamin B9;
3.8 mg vitamin C;
0.8 mg vitamin B6;
0.2 mg vitamin B1;
0.5 mg vitamin B5;
0.1 mg vitamin B2;
39.5 mg vitamin B4;
3.5 mg vitamin B3.

Potato starch also contains a large amount of minerals. 100 g of product contains:

65.0 mg calcium;
1.1 mcg selenium;
1.4 mg iron;
0.3 mg manganese;
65.0 mg magnesium;
0.2 mg copper;
168.0 mg phosphorus;
0.5 mg zinc;
1001.0 mg potassium;
55.0 mg sodium.

What are the benefits of potato starch?

General benefit

Thanks to its rich composition, starch can have a beneficial effect on the entire human body, helping:

reduce blood cholesterol levels;
remove excess fluid from the body;
stop the development of inflammatory processes;
prevent the formation of cancerous tumors;
improve the functioning of the immune system;
establish metabolic processes in the human body;
improve the functioning of the digestive system;
prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases;
reduce acidity levels;
prevent the development of peptic ulcers.

For women

Starch has an amazing effect on the female body. Regular consumption of this product will help not only prevent the occurrence of dangerous diseases, but also preserve female beauty, having a rejuvenating effect on the skin, strengthening and healing hair and nails. This unique product is able to positively influence a woman’s body not only from the inside, but also from the outside. Thanks to this feature, it is included in many home cosmetics.

For men

Potato starch is also indispensable for the male body. Regular use of this product helps:

Saturate the body with a lot of energy, which is especially important for hard-working men.
Prevent the development of vitamin deficiency.
Preserve the strength of bone tissue.
Prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases, which affect men more often than women.

It is worth noting that potato starch can exhibit all its beneficial properties only if it is consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption of this product will have the opposite effect.

During pregnancy

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of starch during pregnancy. Regular consumption of this product will help a pregnant woman prevent many problems. Their list includes:

frequent colds;
heartburn;
damage to teeth;
metabolic disease;
swelling;
hormonal imbalances;
hair loss;
damage to nails;
irritability and other restless conditions.

It is also worth noting that the consumption of starch during pregnancy contributes to the proper formation of fetal bone tissue, which is possible due to the composition of this unique product.

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When breastfeeding

Doctors advise young mothers to include homemade jelly in their daily menu, an invariable component of which is potato starch. This product is not capable of harming a newborn baby. It has a positive effect on a woman’s body weakened by childbirth:

removes toxins;
eliminates excess fluid;
prevents the development of liver and pancreas diseases;
improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
prevents exacerbation of chronic diseases such as gastritis and ulcers;
removes harmful cholesterol from the body;
normalizes metabolic processes;
improves the functioning of the immune system;
prevents the development of anxiety and depression;
strengthens nails and restores hair.

For children

In childhood, starch is no less useful. However, introducing dishes containing this product into a child’s daily diet should be done with extreme caution. In some cases, potato starch can cause serious allergies. The appearance of a rash, redness on the skin, itching or restlessness of the child after consuming potato starch in one form or another - these symptoms indicate that the product should be completely excluded from the daily menu and consult with your doctor.

In the absence of allergic reactions, consuming potato starch will help improve the functioning of the child’s digestive organs, strengthen his bone tissue, teeth and immunity.

When losing weight

Despite its high calorie content, nutritionists do not recommend completely eliminating potato starch from your daily diet. Regular consumption of this unique product helps:

Coping with a problem such as insulin resistance, which is one of the main reasons for the accumulation of large amounts of body fat.
Improve intestinal microflora by feeding it with plenty of nutrients.
Reduce appetite.
Prevent the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Despite all these amazing properties of the product, the benefits of its use can only be seen if you take it correctly. As an ingredient in your favorite desserts, baked goods or other familiar dishes, starch will not help you lose weight. It will be useful only as a component of a healthy, proper diet and in small quantities.

Potato juice for skin

The pulp can be used for cosmetic purposes. Masks with fresh potatoes perfectly nourish the skin, cleanse the upper layer of the epidermis, and get rid of acne and blackheads. Add honey to the paste, apply the mask to the surface of the skin and keep for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. After treatment, apply nourishing cream.

Use the remaining drink or pulp as compresses to remove dark circles under the eyes. Soak a cotton swab in the juice and place it on your eyelids. Hold the compress for about 20 minutes. This procedure will calm the skin, normalize blood flow and relieve fatigue. In combination with lemon zest, the pulp will give the face a slight whitening and rejuvenating effect.

The pulp is well suited as an anti-burn agent for sunburn. Apply a layer of paste to the damaged surface and hold for 15 minutes. The compress almost instantly relieves pain and reduces redness of the skin.

The benefits and harms of potato starch jelly

Most often, potato starch is used to make jelly. This drink is distinguished not only by its special taste, but also by many beneficial properties. Its regular use helps:

normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
improve digestive processes;
reduce acidity levels;
saturate the human body with vitamins, macro- and microelements.

Kissel can be made from a variety of products, including:

berries;
a variety of fruits;
fruit and berry juices;
milk;
oatmeal.

At the same time, oatmeal jelly is considered one of the healthiest drinks. This drink contains a large amount of amino acids, vitamins and other useful components. In addition to the standard effects of jelly, a drink made from starch and oatmeal can prevent the development of problems with the immune and cardiovascular systems.

Kissel, the main component of which is cranberry, will help cope with the manifestations of colds and improve visual acuity. Eating a dish prepared with fresh apples will help prevent the occurrence of vitamin deficiency and anemia.

Some types of jelly can be included in a diet whose goal is weight loss. They will help suppress hunger and can replace one of your meals, which helps you get rid of extra pounds.

However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that in some cases jelly can have the opposite effect on the human body. This is only possible if a person has certain contraindications that require complete or partial exclusion of the drink from the daily diet:

personal intolerance to one of the components of the jelly;
diabetes;
constant constipation.

In other cases, jelly is not capable of harming human health in any way.

How to make jelly

Of course, you can talk about the beneficial properties of a drink only if it is prepared at home. At the same time, preparing this drink will not take much time and effort.

To make homemade jelly, prepare the following ingredients:

800 g cherries;
150 g sugar;
40 g starch;
800 ml purified water.

During cooking, follow the instructions:

Rinse the cherries in clean running water at a comfortable temperature.
Remove the seeds and stems from the berries.
Extract the juice in any convenient way and put it in the refrigerator.
Bring the pulp to a boil in a small amount of water and leave until completely cool.
When the broth has cooled, strain it through a fine sieve, add sugar and bring to a boil again.
Pour starch diluted in a small amount of cherry juice into this mixture and mix thoroughly.
Cook the resulting mixture until it reaches the desired thickness.
Pour cherry juice into the jelly and let cool.

Kissel can be served both hot and cold. Use any other berries or fruits instead of cherries and adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.

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For irritability and insomnia

The product has a complex therapeutic effect, so the use of potatoes for therapeutic purposes in cases of excessive irritability and insomnia is economically beneficial. By lowering blood pressure, fresh juice normalizes the body's blood circulation, reducing adrenaline and stabilizing the cardiovascular system. The process has a calming effect, the person stops being nervous and worried.

To support the therapeutic effect for insomnia and nervousness, you need to drink potato juice at least twice a day half an hour before meals. To enhance the effect, dilute the amount of juice in a 2:1 ratio with carrot or celery juice.

Potato starch in cosmetology

Potato starch is widely used in cosmetology. Cosmetic products that contain this product help maintain youthful skin, remove age and expression wrinkles, improve the appearance of dry skin, nourishing it with a large amount of nutrients and preventing the development of inflammatory processes.

In addition, cosmetologists claim that the composition of potato starch can have a beneficial effect on oily skin types. Thanks to the effects of the components contained in this product, oily sheen disappears and skin color improves.

For face

There are a huge variety of homemade cosmetics that will help improve the appearance of your facial skin, but the most popular among girls are the following options.

Rejuvenating mask

To prepare this cosmetic product you will need only a few ingredients:

30 g potato starch;
75 ml carrot juice;
25 g fat sour cream;
500 ml purified water.

Dilute the specified amount of starch in 100 ml of water, the temperature of which should be slightly above room temperature. After this, pour in another 400 ml of water, mix thoroughly and heat the mixture without bringing it to a boil. When the starch has dissolved and the liquid has thickened, pour in the remaining ingredients and mix well.

Apply the mask to a clean face in 2-3 layers and leave for 30 minutes. After the specified time, rinse off the product with water without using soap or other cleansers.

Mask with lifting effect

To prepare this remedy you will need:

15 g potato starch;
15 ml purified water;
1 chicken egg;
5 ml lemon juice.

Dissolve the starch in the specified amount of water, add the beaten egg white and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix the resulting mixture thoroughly and apply it to the skin of the face and neck. Leave the mask on for 30–40 minutes, then rinse off with cool running water.

Revitalizing mask

To prepare this home remedy, take:

12 g potato starch;
1 egg yolk;
20 g fresh tomatoes;
8 ml of vegetable oil.

Grind the specified amount of tomatoes until mushy and mix with the remaining ingredients. Apply the resulting mask to the skin of the face and neck for 40 minutes. After the specified time has passed, remove the remnants of the mask using a sponge and wash with water at a comfortable temperature.

You can also mix starch with cosmetic clay and dilute the composition with water for use.

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For hair

Potato starch is also used for hair restoration. The most popular home remedies are these options.

Volume mask

To prepare the product, take:

1 tomato;
20 g vegetable oil;
20 g starch.

Mix starch with heated oil. Add the resulting mixture to the pureed tomato and mix thoroughly. Apply the mask over the entire length of your hair, leave for 30 minutes and rinse with running water and your usual shampoo.

Mask for oily hair

To prepare this remedy, prepare the following ingredients:

30 ml honey;
10 g starch;
5 ml lemon juice.

Add starch and lemon juice to warm, melted honey and apply the resulting mixture to the scalp, distributing the remainder along the entire length of the hair. Leave the mask on for no more than 40 minutes, then rinse with running water using your usual shampoo and conditioner.

Mask to improve the appearance of hair

To prepare this remedy, take:

150 ml kefir;
1 egg white;
10 g potato starch;
5 ml lemon juice.

Heat the kefir and add the specified amount of starch, protein and lemon juice. Mix the resulting mixture thoroughly, then distribute it over the entire length of your hair. Leave the mask on for 20–30 minutes and wash off with shampoo.

Milk jelly for gastritis

Milk jelly deserves special attention. Milk jelly for gastritis is prepared with starch. It is very good in the presence of reflux (a phenomenon where food backflows from the stomach into the esophagus), and is often used for gastritis with high acidity, as it quickly coats the walls of the stomach and softens the irritating effect of gastric juice. Milk jelly helps with heartburn.

Combine a teaspoon of starch with 100 ml of water. Boil 300 ml of milk and, while it is boiling, pour starch dissolved in water into it. Cook over low heat until thickened. This jelly can be taken daily.

How is potato starch used in cooking?

Potato starch is widely used to prepare many dishes. It is necessary during preparation:

baking;
jelly;
sauces;
creams.

In addition, many housewives prefer to use it as a thickener when preparing minced meat for meatballs or cutlets.

What can be replaced

If the recipe for preparing a particular dish includes potato starch, but there is none in the kitchen, then you should not be upset and refuse the planned dish. An excellent replacement for starch would be regular wheat flour or semolina. These products have similar properties and will not spoil the taste of the finished dish.

Harm and contraindications

Despite many beneficial properties, potato starch can harm the human body. This is possible if this product is consumed in unlimited quantities. Excessive consumption of starch will lead to obesity, disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and the development of dangerous diseases.

As for contraindications, starch has virtually none, since in small quantities it is not capable of harming the body.

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How to drink raw potato juice correctly: with or without starch

The main substance of the root vegetable with enveloping properties is starch. The beneficial component is a complex carbohydrate that saturates the body by breaking down into glucose and dextrins. Thanks to the substance, potato juice helps to cope with attacks of heartburn, pain and other unpleasant symptoms for gastritis. To get the desired effect, the liquid is consumed within 15 minutes after receiving. To do this, according to the cooking technology, the ground mass is squeezed through gauze or special equipment is used.

However, in some cases the product must be defended. Patients with concomitant diseases such as diabetes and obesity need to prepare the product without starch (stand). Because excess carbohydrates can lead to serious complications of metabolic diseases.

How to store potato starch

In order for starch to retain all its beneficial properties, it is important to follow the product storage standards:

Air humidity.
Starch should be stored in a room where the air humidity should not exceed 75%.
Temperature conditions.
The ideal temperature for storing starch is 20 degrees Celsius.
Storage container.
You need to store starch in a container that can be hermetically sealed with a tight lid. This will prevent the penetration of moisture and foreign odors.

In such conditions, starch can be stored for up to 2 years, while retaining all its beneficial and healing properties.

Potato juice for constipation

It is known that cooked potatoes fix the contents of the intestines. Raw starch liquefies and gently empties the intestines. For constipation, gastroenterologists recommend taking a glass of fresh drink a quarter of an hour before eating. Potato juice has a strong laxative effect for constipation. The course of treatment is carried out as needed. Fresh juice should be drunk on an empty stomach, without washing it down with water.

To achieve a quick effect, mixing the drink with fresh beet juice will give it flavor and enhance its laxative properties.

How to make potato starch at home

You can prepare potato starch at home. To do this you only need 2 ingredients:

1 kg of potatoes;
2 liters of water.

Preparation consists of several stages. Follow these instructions:

Peel each tuber.
Grind the potatoes using a meat grinder, grater or blender.
Strain the mixture using gauze.
Let the liquid sit for 2-3 hours.
Carefully drain the water, leaving behind any sediment that has formed at the bottom.
Add a small amount of water and leave for another 2 hours.
After the specified time, drain the water.
Repeat the procedure until the water becomes clear.
Drain off all liquid.
Separate the wet starch from the bottom of the container.
Place the starch on a piece of natural fabric and leave until completely dry.
Sift the dry starch and place it in a dry container.

Storage conditions and methods of using homemade starch are no different from what was bought in a store.

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Recipes for preparing remedies with potatoes for gastrointestinal diseases

For gastritis

Low acidity

Peel two medium-sized potatoes, chop them on a grater or using a vegetable cutter, and squeeze the juice out of the resulting pulp through cheesecloth.

It is better to use a plastic grater to prevent contact of the product with metal parts, which accelerate the oxidation process of the juice.

They begin to take it with a tablespoon on an empty stomach, adding one more every day until the volume reaches 100 milliliters (half a glass) per day. If it is possible to divide the portion, then take ¼ glass of juice 2 times a day before meals. You should continue taking it for a week, then take a break for 7 days. After a month, stop treatment; you can resume the course after 30 days.

With high acidity (hyperacid)

A mixture of carrot and potato juices is suitable for use for hyperacid gastritis.
For hyperacid gastritis, it is recommended to prepare a mixture of potato and carrot juices in a 1:1 ratio to speed up the restoration of epithelial cells in the stomach and intestines. Take 1/3 cup three times a day before meals according to the scheme described above.

Atrophic

For atrophic gastritis, mix 1/3 cup of potato juice with the same amount of freshly squeezed green apple juice, and take this mixture 2-3 times a day.

Erosive

When preparing a remedy for the treatment of erosive gastritis, there is no need to peel the tubers; they are only thoroughly washed with a sponge and crushed together with the peel. Drink 1/3 cup of juice for one week, then take a break for 7 days. You can add white cabbage juice to the liquid (two tablespoons per serving).

For gastroduodenitis, heartburn, bloating and constipation

In case of heartburn, bloating, gastroduodenitis, accompanied by nausea and cramps in the intestines, as well as in case of prolonged constipation, it is recommended to add beetroot juice to potato juice in a 1:1 ratio. Take the mixture 1/3 cup three times a day before meals for 7–10 days. You can resume the course if symptoms return.

Beetroot juice is added to potato juice in the treatment of gastroduodenitis

For stomach and duodenal ulcers

The course of treatment with potato juice lasts 3 weeks according to the following scheme: 4 times a day, ¼ cup in the first week, in the second week increase the dosage to half a glass, and in the third - to a full glass.

You can eat the liquid with a tablespoon of honey to relieve unpleasant taste sensations and enhance the anti-inflammatory effect.

Juice and decoction for symptoms of chronic pancreatitis and cholecystitis

For chronic pancreatitis, drink potato juice 2 times a day, half a glass, for 10 days at the beginning of each month. At the same time, be sure to follow the dietary rules.

Treatment of pancreatitis using kefir is carried out in this way: in the morning and evening, half an hour before meals, you need to drink 100-150 milliliters of fresh potato juice, and 10 minutes after that, drink a glass of homemade kefir. Continue the course for 2 weeks, then stop for 14 days, and then treat again 3-4 times.

Unsalted mashed potatoes without oil are recommended for patients after an acute attack of pancreatitis, when it is necessary to follow a strict diet. The dish will restore strength and supply the body with the necessary energy.

Potato juice with kefir will relieve the symptoms of pancreatitis and cholecystitis.
For pancreatitis and cholecystitis, instead of juice, you can drink one glass of potato broth 2 times a day (before meals) for a month (you can repeat the course after 30 days). 5-6 peeled potato tubers are placed in hot water and boiled after boiling for 15-20 minutes, then cooled and filtered. The remaining broth can be used to make purees or as a base for soup.