Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) also referred to as white or Irish potatoes are grown all over the world. As a steady aliment, it has numerous medicinal qualities. Because the potato fruit contains the poisonous alkaloid solanine, it should not be consumed. It is a significant source of booze.
Since potatoes are grown below and have branches and leaves above ground, they are considered subterranean plants. Because they are edible tubers, potatoes are the plant’s fleshy stems. Based on available data, potatoes rank as the fourth most important root crop globally. These are unique among staple foods in that they combine the benefits of veggies with those of starchy meals.
Description
The potato is a perennial herb that is native to America, is grown by Portuguese people across India, and is farmed all over the world. For best results, it grows well in cool areas.
Botanical Name:
Solanum Tuberosum
Family:
Solanaceae
Leaves:
Spirally-arranged compound leaves are found on potatoes. Each leaf has two to four pairs of leaflets and a terminal leaflet. It is 20 to 30 cm (approximately 8 to 12 inches) long.
Flowers:
Yellow stamens adorn white, pink, purple, or blue flowers. Berries around half an inch in diameter that are green or yellowish-green occasionally emerge.
Stems:
Weak and above ground, potato stems regenerate in the fall and produces new ones the following spring from the tubers.
Tubers:
Potato tubers are the edible portion that humans harvest. These are inflated stems known as stolons, not actual roots. Depending on the variety, tubers can have round, oval, or elongated shapes, and their skin can be white, yellow, red, or purple in color. The tuber’s surface “eyes” are actually buds that have the ability to produce new growth.
Height:
It reaches a maximum height of 60 cm
Roots:
The shallow, fibrous roots of potato plants aid in their ability to take in water and nutrients from the soil
Habitat:
While wild potatoes can be found across a vast range of habitats, including the sub-tropical rain forest, the dry Atacama deserts, and the cold Andean steppes, cultivated potatoes are only found in the cool temperate regions of the South American Andes and the coast of South Chile.
Parts Used:
- Leaves
- Tuber
Chemical Constituents
Folates, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Phenolic acids, Anthocyanins, Phytates
Synonyms
Solanum andigenum, Parmentiera edulis, Battata tuberosa, Lycopersicon tuberosum
Other Language Names of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum)
Germany name – Kartappe
Bengali name – Golalu
Konkani name – Botate
Gujarati name – Papeta
Marathi name – Batata
Hindi name – Aalu
English name – Potato
Sanskrit name – Golakandah
Portuguese name – Batata
Telegu name – Bangaaladumpa
Germany name – Kartappe
Spanish name – Papa
French name – Pomme de terre
Malayalam name – Urulakkilan
Tamil name – Urulaikkizhangu
Kannada name – Alugadde, Batate
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Subkingdom | Viridae Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Subdivision | Spermatophytina |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
| Species | Tuberosum |
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa (taste) – Madhura (sweet)
Guna (physical properties) – Ruksha (dry), Guru (heavy)
Virya (potency) – Sheeta (cold)
Prabhava (effects) – Kaphanila kara (increase the kapha and vata dosha)
Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) Uses
- Potatoes have calming properties, boil them in water to form a poultice that can be applied to rheumatic joints, hemorrhoids, skin rashes, and swelling in the affected area of the body.
- To alleviate the dark circles under the eyes, take a potato slice and place it beneath your eyes.
- Use boiled or steam-cooked potatoes as a treatment to help induce loose stools and ease constipation symptoms. Avoid overindulging as it may result in flatulence.
- Potatoes have high fiber content, they aid in healthy digestion and dosha balancing.
- Due to its calming qualities, potato skin can be used externally to treat burns and swollen gums. It can also be used to treat rashes and skin irritation.
- Potatoes are high in anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid and rich in fiber, potassium, and kukoamines, they aid to maintain normal blood pressure.
Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) Benefits
Heart Health:
Chinese potatoes include potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and ease tense muscles and nerves. So, including this vegetable can lower the chance of developing heart disease.
Improves brain functioning:
Potatoes are high in potassium and vitamin B6, which contribute to better brain and nervous system function. Additionally, it aids in stress and anxiety relief.
Weight Management:
Chinese potatoes are high in fiber and low in calories, which helps you feel fuller for longer and consume less calories overall. It is therefore a wise option for anyone trying to control their weight.
Strengthens bone density:
Minerals including magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus found in potatoes are essential for preserving bone structure and enhancing bone strength.
Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) Side Effects
Allergic reactions:
Allergies to potatoes are rare, particularly among adults. On the other hand, certain people-especially babies-may react allergicly to potatoes Skin rash, itching, vomiting, and diarrhea are among the symptoms.
Blood sugar spike:
Due to their high glycemic index (GI), potatoes-especially mashed potatoes and french fries-can quickly raise blood sugar levels. Those who have diabetes or prediabetes may find this bothersome.
Digestive issues:
Potatoes that have been fried add fat and calories, which for some people can cause heartburn, bloating, and indigestion.
Read Also: Natural Potato Rice Soap for Skin Whitening & Pigmentation
Conclusion
Carbohydrates, vitamin C, iron, riboflavin, and potassium can all be found in potatoes. Potatoes may suppress appetite, allowing for weight loss. Additionally, a substance in the potato skin may stop bacteria from adhering to cells. Carbohydrates, vitamin C, iron, riboflavin, and potassium can all be found in potatoes.
FAQS
What are the uses of potato plant?
The edible part of the potato plant is produced by bigger subterranean stems called tubers that the plant creates as it grows. The tuber is the sole portion of this plant that is useful for commerce. In addition to being used in vegetative plant multiplication, tubers store and reserve the nourishment that allows plants to withstand the winter.
What are the health benefits of potato?
A good source of fiber that can keep you feeling fuller longer is potatoes. Because it regulates blood sugar and cholesterol, fiber can also help avoid heart disease. Additionally, potatoes are a great source of vitamins that support healthy bodily function and antioxidants that fend against disease.
What are the side effects of potato skin?
Your skin may get irritated and itchy if you apply potato juice or massage potatoes on it too often. Women who are prone to allergic reactions and have sensitive skin should avoid applying potatoes on their faces. Possible side effects include runny nose, hives, and difficulty breathing.