Potato starch: useful properties and contraindications

Potato starch is a derivative of potato and is widely used not only in domestic and professional cooking, but also in cosmetology, medicine and many other branches. However, despite such prevalence, only a few people know about the features of this product, its useful composition and healing properties. That is what we will talk about in today's article.

Types of Potato Starch

Specialists divide raw potato starch into several varieties, which differ from each other by the amount of moisture contained in the product:

1. Grade A. Grade A potato starch contains from 38 to 40% liquid.
2. Grade B. Potato starch from B-grade tubers contains between 50 and 52% moisture.

Each of the grades of starch in turn is divided into several varieties:

1. Grade 1 and Grade 2. The product of the 1st and 2nd grade is considered to be of high quality. Such starch is colored white, it does not contain any impurities and extraneous odors.
2. Third grade. Third-grade starch is characterized by the presence of a grayish color and slightly sour flavor. However, as with the first two varieties, the presence of impurities is unacceptable.

What is the difference between corn and potato starch

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

1. Color. The first distinguishing characteristic is the color of the raw product. Potato starch has a white, sometimes slightly bluish hue, while corn starch has a yellowish color.
2. Consistency. You can distinguish between corn starch and potato starch by the consistency of the raw product. Potato starch is slightly crispy to the touch, while the consistency of corn starch resembles ordinary wheat flour.
3. The consistency of the finished product. Finished potato starch has a thick consistency, while the thickness of corn starch will be much less.
4. Raw material. Perhaps the main difference between corn starch and potato starch is the raw material from which they are made. Corn is used to make the first, and potato tubers are used for the second.
5. Carbohydrate content. Corn starch, unlike potato starch, contains a small amount of carbohydrates.

Which is healthier: potato or corn starch

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

• improve the functioning of the human immune system;
• recharge the human body with a lot of energy;
• reduce the level of sugar in the blood.

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

Can we replace corn starch with potato starch?

Interestingly, the two products are interchangeable. If at the time of cooking a particular dish corn starch was not on hand, you can safely replace it with potato starch. The only condition - its amount should be 2 times less, because the density of the finished potato starch will be higher.

Composition and calories

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 per 100 g of potato starch. The caloric value of this product is quite high - 357 calories per 100 g of starch.

The composition of potato starch includes a large number of nutrients. Per 100 g of this unique product is:

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

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

• 65.0 mg calcium;
• 1.1 mcg of selenium;
• 1.4 mg of iron;
• 0.3 mg of manganese;
• 65.0 mg magnesium;
• 0.2 mg copper;
• 168.0 mg of phosphorus;
• 0.5 mg zinc;
• 1,001.0 mg potassium;
• 55.0 mg of sodium.

What potato starch is good for

General benefits

Due to its rich composition, starch is able to have a beneficial effect on the entire human body, helping:

• reduce blood cholesterol levels;
• flush excess fluid out of the body;
• stop the development of inflammatory processes;
• prevent the formation of cancerous tumors;
• improve the immune system;
• adjust the metabolic processes in the human body;
• Improve the function of the digestive system;
• prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases;
• to reduce the level of acidity;
• prevent the development of ulcers.

For women

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

For men

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

1. Saturate the body with a lot of energy, which is especially important for hard working men.
2. Prevent the development of avitaminosis.
3. Preserve the strength of bone tissues.
4. Prevent the development of cardiovascular disease, from which men suffer more often than women.

It is worth noting that all of its useful properties of potato starch can manifest only if it is consumed in moderate amounts. Excessive consumption of this product will lead to the opposite effect.

When pregnant

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of starch during pregnancy. Regular consumption of this product will help pregnant women prevent the occurrence of many problems. The list of them includes:

• frequent colds;
• heartburn;
• tooth decay;
• metabolic disorders;
• swelling;
• hormonal disorders;
• hair loss;
• nail deterioration;
• irritability and other restless states.

It is worth noting and the fact that the use of starch during pregnancy contributes to the proper formation of bone tissues of the fetus, which is possible due to the composition of this unique product.

When breastfeeding

Doctors advise young mothers to include in their daily menu homemade kissel, the invariable component of which is potato starch. This product is not able to harm the newborn baby. It has a positive effect on a woman's body weakened by childbirth:

• removes toxins;
• gets rid of excess fluid;
• prevents the development of liver and pancreatic diseases;
• Improves the function 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 immune system;
• Prevents the development of anxiety and depression;
• Strengthens nails and restores hair.

For children

At a child's age, starch is no less useful. However, to introduce dishes containing this product into the daily diet of a child should be with extreme caution. In some cases, potato starch can provoke the occurrence of serious allergies. Rashes, redness on the skin, itching or anxiety in 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 a doctor.

If there are no allergic reactions, the use of potato starch will help to improve the child's digestive organs, strengthen his bones, teeth and immunity.

When losing weight

Despite the high caloric content, dietitians are not advised to completely eliminate potato starch from the daily diet. Regular consumption of this unique product helps:

1. To cope with such a problem as insulin insensitivity, which is one of the most important reasons for the accumulation of large amounts of fat deposits.
2. Improve intestinal microflora, nourishing it with a lot of useful substances.
3. Reduce appetite.
4. Prevent the development of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

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

The benefits and harms of potato starch kissel

Most often, potato starch is used to make kissel. This drink is distinguished not only by its special taste, but also by a lot of useful properties. Its regular use helps to:

• normalize the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
• improve digestive processes;
• reduce the level of acidity;
• Saturate the human body with vitamins, macro-and micronutrients.

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

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

In this case, one of the most useful drinks is considered to be just oatmeal kissel. Such a drink contains a large number of amino acids, vitamins and other beneficial components. In addition to the standard effect of kissel, beverage made from starch and oat flakes can prevent the development of problems of the immune, cardiovascular system.

Kissel, the main component of which is a cranberry, will help to cope with the symptoms of colds and improve visual acuity. The use of a dish prepared on the basis of fresh apples will help to prevent the occurrence of avitaminosis and anemia.

Some types of kissel can be included in a diet whose goal is to lose weight. They can help suppress hunger and can replace one of the meals, which helps to get rid of the extra pounds.

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

• personal intolerance to one of the components of the kissel;
• diabetes mellitus;
• Constant constipation.

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

How to make kissel

Of course, we can talk about the useful properties of the drink only if it is prepared at home. In this case, the preparation of this drink does not take much time and effort.

To prepare homemade kissel, prepare the following ingredients:

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

During preparation, follow the instructions:

1. Rinse the cherries in clean running water at a comfortable temperature.
2. Remove the pips from the berries and remove the stalks.
3. Squeeze the juice in any convenient way and place in the refrigerator.
4. Bring the pulp to a boil in a small amount of water and leave until it cools.
5. When the broth cools, strain it through a fine sieve, pour sugar and bring to a boil again.
6. Pour into this mixture diluted in a small amount of cherry juice, starch and mix thoroughly.
7. Boil the mixture until it reaches the desired thickness.
8. Pour the cherry juice into the kissel and allow to cool.

Kissel can be served either hot or cold. Use any other berries or fruit instead of cherries and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.

Potato starch in medicine

Potato starch is widely used not only in cooking, but also in medicine. Means, which include this unique product, are able to stop the development of

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• acute inflammatory processes;
• skin diseases, including various childhood dermatitis.

In case of diabetes mellitus.

According to qualified physicians, potato starch can be included in diabetic menus, but only in strictly limited quantities. The need to limit the consumption of this product arises because of its large number of calories, which can lead to a sharp increase in weight. However, in small amounts, this product can have a unique effect on the diabetic's body:

• prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases;
• reduce the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood;
• remove accumulations of toxins and impurities from the body;
• Prevent disorders of the nervous system;
• normalize metabolism.

In pancreatitis

During the treatment of pancreatitis, starch is also an indispensable product. It can improve the function of the pancreas, relieve the unpleasant symptoms of the disease, stop the development of the inflammatory process and speed up the recovery process. In this case, the ideal starch-containing dish, which medics recommend to introduce in the daily menu of patients suffering from pancreatitis, is kissel. It perfectly satisfies hunger, has good enveloping properties and satiates the body with plenty of nutrients.

Gastritis

Gastroenterologists strongly recommend introducing potato starch into the daily diet of patients suffering from acute or chronic gastritis. It will help speed up the healing process, relieve acute pain and significantly reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease.

Potato starch shows its unique properties with both regular and systematic use.

For the intestines

But for the intestines, the benefits of starch are relative. On the one hand, the use of this product helps to prevent the development of ulcers and other inflammatory processes in the intestines, but on the other hand - can lead to stagnant feces and aggravate the condition of those people who often suffer from constipation. Therefore, those patients who suffer from intestinal diseases, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before introducing starch-containing products into the daily diet.

When hemorrhoids

Many physicians agree that potato starch is an excellent remedy for the first and second stages of hemorrhoids.This remedy is ideal for those patients who are contraindicated medicines. Starch will help relieve acute pain, which is characteristic of this disease, strengthen blood vessels, stop the development of inflammation, relieve irritation and severe itching, and accelerate the healing of microcracks.

Potato starch in cosmetology

Potato starch is widely used in cosmetology. Cosmetic products containing this product help to retain skin youth, remove age and expression lines, improve the appearance of dry skin, nourishing it with plenty of nutrients and preventing the development of inflammatory processes.

In addition, beauticians say that the composition of potato starch can have a beneficial effect on oily skin. Thanks to the effects of the components that are contained in this product, oily shine disappears and the color of the skin improves.

For the face

There are a huge variety of home beauty products that can help improve the appearance of facial skin, but the most popular among girls are the following options.

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

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

Dissolve the specified amount of starch in 100 ml of water, which should be slightly above room temperature. After that, add 400 ml of water, stir 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 stir well.

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

Mask with lifting effect
To prepare this remedy, you will need:

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

Dissolve the starch in the specified amount of water, add to it whipped egg white and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Thoroughly mix the resulting mixture and apply it to the skin of your face and neck. Sustain the mask for 30-40 minutes, then wash it off with cool, running water.

Revitalizing mask
To prepare this home remedy, take:

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

Grind the specified amount of tomatoes to a mushy state and mix with the rest of the ingredients. The resulting mask is applied to the skin of the face and neck for 40 minutes. At the end of the specified time remove the rest of the mask with a sponge and wash with water of comfortable temperature.

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

For Hair

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

Mask for volume increase
To prepare the remedy, take:

• 1 tomato;
• 20 g of vegetable oil;
• 20 grams of starch.

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

Mask for oily hair
To prepare this remedy, prepare the following ingredients:

• 30 ml of honey;
• 10 grams of starch;
• 5 ml of lemon juice.

Add the starch and lemon juice to the warm, melted honey and apply the resulting mixture to the scalp, distributing the rest over the entire length of the hair. Sustain mask for no more than 40 minutes, then rinse with running water, using the usual shampoo and balm.

Mask for improving the appearance of hair
To prepare this remedy, take:

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

Heat the kefir and add to it the specified amount of starch, protein and lemon juice. Thoroughly mix the resulting mixture, then distribute it over the entire length of the hair. Leave the mask for 20-30 minutes and wash out with shampoo.

How to use potato starch in cooking

Potato starch is widely used in the preparation of many dishes. Potato starch is needed for many dishes:

• baked goods;
• sour creams;
• sauces;
• creams.

In addition, many housewives prefer to use it as a thickener during the preparation of minced meat for meatballs or cutlets.

What you can replace it with

If the recipe for cooking a particular dish includes potato starch, and it was not in the kitchen, then do not get upset and give up on the planned dish. An excellent substitute for starch will be the usual wheat flour or semolina. These products have similar properties and will not be able to spoil the taste of the finished dish.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the many useful properties, potato starch can harm the human body. This is possible in the case of using this product in unlimited quantities. Excessive consumption of starch will lead to obesity, disorders of internal organs and the development of dangerous diseases.

As for contraindications - they have almost no starch, because in small quantities it is not able to harm the body.

How to store potato starch

In order for the starch to retain all its useful properties, it is important to observe the norms of storage of the product:

1. Humidity. The starch must be stored in a room where the humidity should not exceed the mark of 75%.
2. Temperature conditions. The ideal temperature for starch storage is considered 20 degrees Celsius.
3. Container for storage. Starch should be stored in a container that can be hermetically sealed with a tight lid. This will prevent the penetration of moisture and foreign odors.

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

How to make potato starch at home

Prepare potato starch can also be made at home. Only 2 ingredients are needed for this:

• 1 kg of potatoes;
• 2 liters of water.

The preparation consists of several steps. Follow these instructions:

1. Peel each tuber from the skin.
2. Grind the potatoes with a meat grinder, grater or blender.
3. Strain the billet using gauze.
4. Allow the liquid to stand for 2-3 hours.
5. Carefully drain the water, leaving a sediment which formed at the bottom.
6. Add a small amount of water and leave for another 2 hours.
7. At the end of this time, drain the water.
8. Repeat the process until the water is clear.
9. Drain all the liquid.
10. Separate the wet starch from the bottom of the bowl.
11. Place the starch on a piece of natural cloth and leave to dry completely.
12. Sift the dry starch and place it in a dry bowl.

The storage conditions and ways to use homemade starch are no different than store-bought starch.

How to make a potato starch slice

Recently, potato starch slides have become very popular. You can also make them yourself.

For this purpose, you will need:

• A ball of any color;
• starch.

Stages of making:

1. Stretch the ball at its base so that you can pour the starch into it.
2. Fill the whole ball with starch.
3. Tie the slime with a thick thread.
4. Trim the top of the balloon.

That's it! The starch slime is ready. Decorate it by drawing a funny face or beautiful patterns.

Interesting facts about potatoes

Probably impossible to find a person who does not know that for the production of potato starch can be used any variety of potato. But only a few are aware of such facts:

1. Potatoes are among the poisonous plants.
2. The berries that grow on potato bushes are very toxic.
3. Botanists refer to the potato as a member of the nightshade genus, as do tomatoes, eggplants, and nightshades.
4. The plant came to Europe earlier than to North America.
5. The potato was not introduced into North America until 1621. By this time, it had already become a common foodstuff in European countries.
6. The La Bonnotte variety of potato is the most expensive in the world. Its price is 500 euros per 1 kg.
7. In 1897-1898, the potato was more valuable than gold, since it was the only salvation from scurvy.
8. In 1995, the potato was grown in space.

There is much to say about the potato, since its history goes back a long way and is accompanied by various events. But the invention of potato starch is a major one.

Potato starch is considered a very useful product. But we should not forget that it can have a beneficial effect on the body only if it is used in moderation.

Photo of potato starch