No. Potatoes are low in protein. Compared to other common food crops; potatoes have the lowest amount of protein. Where as Potatoes generally have low protein content they are of high quality for human health. Mostly, potatoes have a high presence of carbohydrate and with least protein percentage in the class of carbs.
Biological and nutritional value of potato proteins
Even though potatoes have a lower protein content, the less protein available has excellent nutritional and biological value to human health. The biological value exhibited by such proteins depends on the composition of amino acids in the potato.
In most cases, potato proteins have a higher concentration of amino acids, glutamic acids, leucine and lysine. Such proteins are an excellent supplement for those cereals with low amino acids due to their high level of lysine.
On the other hand, the nutritional value of those proteins is determined by the chemical score. This value depends on where these proteins originate from, that is, from which a variety of potato is the protein obtained.
Types of potatoes and their protein content
There are several types of potatoes of which each of the kinds has a varying protein content form the other. Some have high protein concentration, while others have a low concentration. The following are various kinds of potatoes that exist and the protein content they have.
- Sweet potatoes – above two grams protein content
This is the most common type of potatoes that is famously known for its sweet taste. Of all the varieties of potatoes, sweet potatoes are highly rich in nutrients. However, this kind of potatoes has atleast two grams of protein content in one potato serving. - White potatoes – averagely 2 grams protein concentration
Although most popular, white potatoes don’t offer such a high protein content. They produce up to two grams of proteins in every medium potato. - Russet potatoes – protein content slightly above four grams
They are the most classic of all classes of the potato family. They are mainly used for mashing and baking due to their large size. Of all types of potatoes, these potatoes contain a higher protein content; whereby a single potato contains a protein concentration of above 2.4 grams. - Red potatoes – slightly above two grams protein concentration in every serving of 100grams
They are the smallest of all potato types, suitable for roasting and mashing. In every 100gram serving, these potatoes have 2.4 grams. - Yukon gold potatoes – averagely three grams in every medium potato
They have a sweet taste, be it baked or boiled. Yukon gold potatoes are medium-sized with a protein content of the grams. - Fingerling potatoes – above two grams in a 100 grams serving
This is a firm waxy variety that doesn’t lose its shape upon cooking. Therefore, being best for serving with stews, salads and even soups. However, they are only potato variety with the least protein content. That is, in every a hundred grams serving, they produce a protein content of 2.35 grams.
Health benefits of potato proteins
- Potato proteins have a better nutritive value which aids in maintaining nitrogen balance in adult humans.
- The proteins help in minimizing malnutrition in human beings. This is due to the presence of lysine contents which are similar to those in animal proteins.
- Proteins from potatoes are of high-quality and help in muscle development and maintenance. This can be seen in weightlifting, whereby if an individual takes potatoes, they won’t lose their muscle weight.
- Potato proteins also help in accelerating the synthesis of muscles. This is because potatoes can increase protein production rate in muscles. And this will, in turn, increase the rate at which protein synthesis in the muscles happen, therefore, increasing muscle strength.
- Potato proteins help in treating heart diseases hence reducing cancer mortality.
- They help in hindering a rapid progression of prostate cancer.
- Lower risk of getting inflammatory diseases in the bowel
- Just like other plant proteins, potato proteins is easily absorbed by the human body; therefore bringing immediate benefit to the body.
- They are excellent supplements for those cereals that have a lower amount of amino acids. This is due to the presence of the number of amino acids in potato protein known as patatin.
Characteristics of potato proteins
- They are less digestible.
- They are characterized by high p-sheet content and a lower helix amount.
- Less soluble in water.
Types of potato proteins
Potato proteins exist in three broad groups, that is patatin, protease inhibitors and other proteins. But patatin tends to be the most dominant of all these types.
Patatin
Patatin is a major type of protein that is found in potatoes. However, this protein also made up several other proteins which are represented by di-multigene family.
The protein is mostly found in the tubers in a tissue named parenchyma tissue. This protein, also known as tuberin, can also be found in buds above grounds and stems though in small amounts.
The glycoproteins represents a substantial among of soluble proteins which can range above forty percent. These proteins provide protection against fungal pathogens and pests in plants. However, patatin can cause allergic reactions to some individuals.
Protease inhibitor
These inhibit the activities of enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin. They, therefore, decrease the biological value as well as digestibility of the ingested protein.
These inhibitors are, in most cases, deactivated by excessive heat or temperatures. It can be through boiling of any other thermal process.
Adverse effects of potato proteins
Even though potato proteins are highly nutritious with a high nutrient supplement, they can be harmful to some extent. The following are some of the side effects of potato proteins;
- These proteins can cause damage to the membranes.
- Can lead to muscle paralyzing during the early stages of muscle development. It is due to the high neural NTE homology.
Why should you need potatoes for consumption
Beside potatoes having high quality protein, it offers several nutrients to your body.
- Potatoes are a source of minerals and vitamins
They provide Vitamin C, potassium, fats, calories, Vitamin B6, carbs and fibers. The percentage phosphorus, folate, magnesium and niacin is deficient. The nutrient value also can depend on the variety selected and the method of preparing it. For example, baked potatoes have lower fats and calories than frying one. The skin of the potato contains much minerals and vitamins. - Improves the control of Blood sugar
The resistant starch in potato does an excellent work since it does get broken down and absorbed by the body. It is turned to the source of nutrient for some part of the body, such as the gut. For health benefits, the insulin effect is reduced and helps the control of blood sugar. Persons who have diabetes when they consume potatoes, the excess sugar in the blood is most removed due to nutrients of potatoes. - Presence of Antioxidants contents
Acids such as carotenoids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds are highly found in potatoes. These acids action as antioxidants neutralizes molecules that are harmful in the body, such as radicals. Free accumulation of radicals in the body may cause health problems such as diabetes, heart problems, cancer and other chronic diseases. - Improving digestion activities in the body
Since resistant starches settle in the large intestine, it turns to becomes bacteria which is a source of food digestion. The bacteria convert the food to butyrate, which reduces inflammation issues in the colon. The butyrate effect on the colon helps to fight diseases such as colorectal cancer. Patients with disorders of bowel inflammatory such as diverticulitis get better help from butyrate. - Filling incredibilities
Consuming potatoes helps to reduce the effect of overweight. The presence of proteinase inhibitor in potatoes helps in increase of appetite. It is because of the breakdown of such protein results in cholecystokinin hormone, which promotes appetite fulfilment. - Potatoes are free from Glutens
The presence of gluten in some foods such as rye, spelt, wheat and barley may cause discomfort to some individuals with such allergies. When they consume such foods, they may experience some symptoms such as constipation. Stomach pain, skin rashes and other health signs can as well occur. However, potatoes being in the same class with such foods, it does not have the effect of glutens. It becomes the most chosen source of protein and starch by individuals with glutens problems. - Versatile taste
Potatoes are delicious and can be mixed with different types of meals. They can be cooked, streamed or boiled, and the most source of fibers and calories is their skin. - Potato proteins allergies
Even though not common, the major protein in potatoes that is patatin is said to cause allergies to some people. These allergies can affect both adults and children but not in large numbers. The allergies can affect the skin by bringing rashes; others can affect the respiratory system. In some cases, others affect the digestive system. Both raw or cooked potatoes can cause allergies, but the cooked ones are said to be less allergenic than the raw ones.
Symptoms of potato allergies
The symptoms can be mild or even severe, depending on the person experiencing them. These include;
- Runny nose, dilated eyes, asthma, or even tight chest.
- Sore throat, and swelling of the throat
- Swollen and itchy eyes
- Hives
- Sneezing
- Quick heartbeat rate
- Vomiting
- Mouth and throat swelling, this can happen mostly after consuming raw potatoes, as they are high in patatin content.
- Wheezing
- Skin rashes accompanied by itching
- Lip tingling
Anaphylaxis disease caused by potato proteins
Anaphylaxis start as a mild symptom, for instance, a runny nose, watery eyes and hives. It is not all allergic reactions that can rise to this level, but you can monitor closely to avoid that. This condition is severe and requires immediate medical attention. The state has its symptoms which include;
- Difficulty in breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heat sensation throughout the body
- Swollen mouth, throat or eve mouth
- Digestive symptoms of potato allergies
- Bloating, which is caused by the accumulation of foods in the stomach that is undigested.
- Cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach complications, these include reacting to medication which can cause a threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
- Gas and indigestion, this is due to inhibition of enzymes getting into the proteins in potatoes, therefore rendering them undigested.
What makes potatoes cause allergies
Potatoes have a variety of chemical components, such as glycoproteins, alkaloids and proteins. However, patatin, which is the main protein component in potatoes, is the major cause of allergies.
This protein causes hypersensitive reactions to allergic individuals. These reactions can be, eczema, which causes skin rashes.
Who can get a potato allergy
This kind of allergies can affect anybody regardless of their age or gender. Children who might suffer from potato allergies usually overcome it in the future. But, adults with allergies tend to have them the rest of their lives.
Foods to avoid to get rid of potato allergies
Avoiding potatoes won’t be the only remedy for treating potato allergies because many foods contain traces of vegetables. Additionally, potatoes can be used commonly as ingredients in most foods. This means that you can still get those allergies to consume those foods. The foods include;
- Fries, chips
- Vodka
- Some types of pasta
- Stews, purees and soups
- Casseroles
- Salty snacks
There are very minute proteins in potato starch; therefore, it is rare to get allergic reactions from those foods. Potato starch is found in certain foods such as bread, canned soups, per packaged food items, candies, mixes and more. Therefore, people who have potato allergies should look at the label of foods before they purchase.
Because it is now evident that potatoes are available in a variety of foods which makes it hard to avoid them, surprisingly potato is also used as an ingredient in the manufacture of herbal medicine.
How to extract proteins from potatoes
Direct consuming of potatoes is not the only way you can get proteins from potatoes. You can extract it manually by taking it through some processes. When you extract starch from potatoes, it is informe of juice.
The juice is rich in protein, and to extract the protein from the liquid, add an acid and heat the solution. The heat, together with the acid, will coagulate the proteins. Finally, precipitate and remove them through centrifugation.
Protein Takeway:
Are potatoes high in protein?
Potatoes having the low content of proteins, they produce a good quality of it. It can become an alternative protein source of protein compared to other sources of protein. Being of low protein, the percentage of carb in it can become the best source of carbohydrate for individuals with gluten issues.
RELATED PROTEIN RESOURCES
Protein Rich Snacks – High Protein Snacks That Are Healthy and Portable
Protein Foods – Sources of Dietary Protein and Protein Rich Foods
Protein Avocado – Proven Health Benefits of Avocado
What are Examples of Protein Foods?
Is Rice a Protein or Carb?
What Foods are the Highest in Protein?
Protein Lentils – Nutrition, Benefits and How to Cook Them
Is Banana Full of Protein?
Protein High Foods – Protein List of Delicious High Protein Foods to Eat
Which is Best Protein Food?
TOP 20 High Protein Snacks That Are Healthy Filling Snack Ideas
Protein Egg – How Much Protein in an Egg?
Protein Fruits – Which Fruit has Most Protein?
