What is the potato juice good for?

Potatoes are one of the most popular and commonly consumed vegetables worldwide. While the potato itself is highly nutritious, nutrient-dense, and versatile, the juice made from potatoes also offers some potential health benefits.

Nutrients in Potato Juice

Potatoes are packed with important vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. When potatoes are juiced, many of these beneficial compounds are released into the liquid. Here are some of the top nutrients found in potato juice:

Nutrient	Benefits
Vitamin C	Antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production
Vitamin B6	Supports enzyme and hormone function
Potassium	Supports heart health and muscle function
Magnesium	Supports bone health, muscle and nerve function
Iron	Supports oxygen transport and cell growth

Potato juice also contains smaller amounts of other B-vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and folate. The phytochemicals in potatoes, including carotenoids and polyphenols, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Health Benefits of Potato Juice

Drinking potato juice may provide several potential health benefits:

• Supports heart health – The potassium in potato juice helps reduce blood pressure and decrease strain on the cardiovascular system.
• Boosts immunity – Vitamin C stimulates white blood cell production and serves as an antioxidant to protect against illness.
• Builds collagen – Vitamin C is also essential for collagen production, supporting healthy skin and joints.
• Detoxifies the liver – Some research indicates potato juice may help stimulate liver cell regeneration and detoxification.
• Improves digestion – The nutrients and enzymes in potato juice can aid digestion and gut health.

Some proponents also claim that drinking potato juice can help treat gastritis, ulcers, inflammation, and other gastrointestinal issues. More research is still needed on potato juice specifically, but the nutritional content suggests it may be beneficial.

Using Potato Juice for Health

If you want to try adding potato juice to your diet for its potential health benefits, here are some tips:

• Use organic russet or red potatoes.
• Thoroughly wash potatoes and cut away any green spots or damaged areas.
• Juice potatoes raw for the highest concentration of nutrients.
• Drink 1/4-1/2 cup of potato juice per day.
• Consume immediately after juicing for best quality.
• Start slowly and monitor for any digestive discomfort.
• Pair with fruit or vegetable juices for more palatable flavor.

Potato juice has a thick, starchy texture and earthy flavor. Combining it with milder juices like cucumber or apple can help offset the strong taste. If digesting raw potato juice, start with just a few tablespoons at a time.

Potato Juice Recipe

This simple potato juice recipe makes one serving:

Ingredients

• 2 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
• 1/2 cup filtered water
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Wash and chop potatoes into chunks. Remove any green spots or damaged areas.
2. Pass potatoes through a juicer according to manufacturer’s directions. Alternately, blend chopped potatoes and filtered water in a high-speed blender or food processor until smooth.
3. Strain blended potato liquid through a mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag.
4. Discard pulp. Stir lemon juice and sea salt into potato juice.
5. Drink immediately, ideally on an empty stomach. Stir or shake before drinking.

This recipe makes a simple, nutrient-dense potato juice. Feel free to adjust ingredients to taste. Adding a squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavor, and a pinch of sea salt helps balance the starchiness.

Precautions with Potato Juice

While potato juice offers some nutritional and potential health benefits, there are also some precautions to keep in mind:

• Use caution if sensitive to nightshades.
• Drink only fresh, raw potato juice.
• Avoid juice from damaged, bruised, or green potatoes.
• Start slowly and drink only a small amount if new to potato juice.
• May interact with certain medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.

If you experience any digestive upset like bloating, gas, or diarrhea after drinking potato juice, discontinue use. Unless tolerated well, limit intake to no more than 1/2 cup per day. Pregnant women, children, and those with kidney disorders should likely avoid potato juice or use very cautiously under medical supervision.

The Bottom Line

When made from fresh, raw potatoes, potato juice contains a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may promote health. In particular, potato juice may benefit heart health, immunity, digestion, and detoxification. However, potato juice also has a strong, acquired taste and some limitations and possible interactions to consider before use. As with any supplement, it’s best to consult your healthcare practitioner before adding potato juice to your routine.