My dad always told me to eat the skin on potatoes because they have vitamins in them. Is this true or does it not matter one way or the other?
2006-09-20 16:50:41 · 19 answers · asked by K. M 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
it's true... as long as they are clean!
2006-09-20 16:52:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a double edged sword. While the skin on a lot of things is healthy, and contains that extra burst of healthy things our body craves.. it's just not safe anymore to eat the skin of anything.
(( Potatos, oranges (yes, some people eat the skin but only after shredding or shaving it), apples, carrots (unpeeled), etc.. ))
You see, google up Mayo Clinic, or University of Michigan, or any well known research / medical university - and you will find that they now tell people to carve not only the skin off, but to carve down deep (I believe they have a certain measurement reccomended, like 1/4" but I do not recall the exact measurement) and carve off the skin along with a good portion of the *meat* itself for your own health and safety.
This is because they now know that pesticides, preservitives, and other unhealthy things seep through the skin all the way into the fruit or veggie to a certain depth. You're cutting all that junk away because it can cause cancer, and a slew of other health problems. Organic is the best way to go, but even then what guarentee do you have that the food really is 100% organic? (Other than a label)..
Other than the gross amount of chemicals we eat in the food, (and on it) -- some people also experience gastric upset (IBS flare ups, gas, bloating, bathroom problems) when they eat the rougher part (more fiberous) of fruit or veggies.
So, tell your Dad he is right.. but that he also outdated (don't worry though, most of us are since science moves so quickly).
2006-09-20 17:03:03 · answer #2 · answered by Inked Fantasy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Scrub the skin and scoop out the guts ans just eat the skin. The guts of a potato have very little nutrients compared to the skin.
2006-09-20 16:55:45 · answer #3 · answered by miso1cat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The skin on the potato is one of the best sources for vitamins. Even better than the potato itself!
2006-09-20 16:52:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always eat it when I make it myself, but when I eat in restaurants I usually don't because it's usually covered with salt.
"The skin of the potato contains the majority of the potato's fiber, and many of the nutrients are located close to the skin. Wash the potato thoroughly, cut away green discoloration and/or sprouts and enjoy your potato with the skin on."
"The skin of the potato contains the majority of the potato's fiber, and many of the nutrients (especially vitamin C) are located close to the skin. Wash the potato thoroughly, cut away green discoloration and/or sprouts (these may be toxic !) and enjoy your potato with the skin on."
2006-09-20 16:54:22 · answer #5 · answered by ♪ ♫ ☮ NYbron ☮ ♪ ♫ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that the most vitamins lie right under the skin so by peeling you tend to remove the best layer. So the answer to your question is YES and NO. It is best for you NOT to peel the skin off but it's actually not the skin that's the best for you!
2006-09-20 16:53:14 · answer #6 · answered by JaneB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is true, but these days the potatoes we get are filled with chemicals to prevent insects, spoiling of vege, too make it last longer, etc. These chemicals are harmful to use, maybe not in the short run but in the long run, i must say yes. Unless you buy organic potatoes, i advice you to throw the skin off....y take the risk?
2006-09-20 17:00:56 · answer #7 · answered by Jendralus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you consider average around the size of a baseball maybe 4 -5 ounces.
2016-03-17 23:27:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dad was right. Besides the skins are good tasting. Fry up a batch or bake em. Put a bit of garlic and onion powder (not the salt).
2006-09-20 16:58:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
For certain people, The skin of the potato could be hard to digest.
Yes, they contain some proteins, but I would stay away from them!
2006-09-20 16:52:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, I love the skins.
2006-09-20 16:58:05 · answer #11 · answered by Fleur de Lis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋