You might often peel potatoes before cooking them, but according to actor Bhagyashree, you might want to reconsider. She suggests that making a dish with unpeeled potatoes can help relieve muscle cramps. “Cramps are often caused by a lack of potassium and magnesium, and potato skins are a great source of both,” Bhagyashree shared in a YouTube short. “To increase your intake of these essential minerals, try making a sabzi with unpeeled potatoes.”

She added, “These minerals are vital for our daily health, and a simple, cost-effective way to incorporate them into your diet is to clean the potato skins well and use them in your cooking. Oven-baked potato skins with a sprinkle of spices can also be a delicious option.”

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Oil
• 1 tsp Cumin seeds (Jeera)
• A pinch of Asafoetida
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 tsp Red chili powder
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1 tsp Dry mango powder (Amchur)
• Boiled potatoes with skin
• Water
• Salt

Method:

Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and asafoetida. Then, mix in the cumin powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and dry mango powder. Add the boiled potatoes with skin, water, and salt. Cook until the spices are well incorporated.

Does This Recipe Work?

Dr. Rituja Ugalmugle, an internal medicine specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, agrees that potato skins are healthy but advises that their effectiveness for muscle cramps depends on the underlying cause. “Potato skins are rich in potassium, which can help prevent cramps caused by electrolyte imbalances. They also contain magnesium, which supports muscle health, and fiber, which aids digestion, though it might not directly impact cramps,” she explained.

Additional Insights:

Dietician Ekta Singhwal from Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals also highlighted that eating dishes with potato skins can naturally boost potassium levels, potentially preventing and relieving muscle cramps. “This simple dish not only benefits muscle health but also provides essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall well-being,” she noted.

However, Dr. Ugalmugle cautioned that if cramps are caused by factors such as dehydration or poor circulation, just eating unpeeled potato sabzi may not be enough. “Maintaining proper hydration and a balanced diet rich in electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium is more effective. It’s important to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of cramps and get appropriate treatment,” she advised.