Ask a Healthy Nutritionist Are Potatoes Really Bad for You?
- Vegetables or Cereals?
- Are Potatoes Healthy?
- Potatoes and Weight Loss
- Potatoes and Their High Glycemic Index
Somewhere in our fear-carb world, potatoes are gaining a bad reputation. But why is that really so? Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and many other beneficial nutrients, potatoes are versatile and can be a nutritious part of a healthy diet for most people.1 However, the problem with potatoes arises when it comes to adjusting and serving sizes. . Some roasted potatoes with dinner a few times each week will bring you many healthy benefits, and adding frames to all foods is not very healthy.
Are potatoes a vegetable or a grain?
There is a lot of confusion about whether potatoes should be classified as vegetables or whole grains, but our experts want you to know that they are vegetarian. That being said, they are mainly made up of carbohydrates, which make them starchy vegetables (like corn and peas).
"Potatoes, although vegetarian, do not look as nutritious, or physically, as other vegetables that we know are as healthy as broccoli," says Bazilian. So as you plan your meal, it may be helpful to think of it as starch or grains rather than vegetables. This means that at dinner time, you may want to have potatoes or brown rice, or potatoes or pasta, but having both can lead to a healthy diet of starchy carbohydrates.
Are potatoes healthy or not?
Packed with nutrients and other health benefits, potatoes are one of the foods most healthy people need to avoid at all, say nutritionists. "Many people are afraid of potatoes, especially for weight loss, and try to avoid them," explains Miller. However, potatoes can be a great addition to a healthy diet.
Benefits of Eating Potatoes
Major Source of Vitamins: “Potatoes are a great source of many vitamins and minerals such as potassium, folate, and vitamins C and B6,” says Beckerman. "And they are mainly designed to slow down and replenish carbs and contain a limited amount of protein and fiber. Because they are carbohydrates, a small amount of them will help you stay full longer, allowing you to avoid overeating or snacks throughout the day."
Antioxidant Properties: Potatoes contain antioxidants that inhibit the formation of harmful radicals in the body, Beckerman says, and contain a substance called resistant starch, which acts like soluble fiber and can help your body control blood sugar, improve digestive health. , and help you feel full, long.2
Full of Potassium: Another great perk of potatoes is loaded with potassium. Many who avoid potatoes among us are unaware that potatoes have more potassium than bananas. In just one medium you can get 13 percent or more of the recommended daily amount of potassium.
Disadvantages of Eating Potatoes
Measurement Issues: As we mentioned earlier, you will want to be careful about eating potatoes in moderation and making sure they are prepared in a healthy way. Just as you want to reduce the consumption of processed foods in general, the same goes for mashed potatoes, says Bazilian.
Unhealthy Preparation Can Exceed at Nutrition: If French fries are your favorite way to eat potatoes, the side effects of deep-fryer, grease, and salt in your health are likely to outweigh any benefits.
a bowl of sweet potato nachos
Do potatoes contribute to weight gain?
We will put it simply: eating potatoes several times a week will not cause obesity. "Most people gain weight without touching the potatoes, because gaining weight is a complex process with a complex origin," Ayoob said. "It's mostly about extremes, but that excess can occur in many places, including overwork." He points out that potatoes have been a staple food for centuries in various parts of the world. He says: “Their very existence and importance preceded the current issue of obesity.
Many people stay away from potatoes because they believe they are too high in carbohydrates, but our experts say that this is not a reason for speculation. It always helps to monitor the quality and quantity of food you eat, but limiting and excluding all food groups is not really the best route for health.
"Potatoes that provide carbohydrates can add essential energy and nutrients," Bazilian said. “Should we watch certain parts? Yes, as we do with other foods, especially grains, bread, pasta, and the like. ”
Carbohydrates have a bad reputation, but Roney points out that carbohydrates are a source of energy that our bodies choose. Thus, potatoes can go into a healthy, nutritious diet.
Carbohydrates get a bad rap, but they are a source of energy that our bodies choose. "I recommend balancing [carbohydrates like potatoes] with protein foods like chicken breast, and fatty foods like avocados to create a nutritious diet," says Roney. "This will lead to less digestion and longer lasting energy."
Are some potato varieties healthier than others?
Potatoes come in all shapes and sizes: Peruvian Purple, Yukon, Russet, Fingerling, Red Gold, and many more. But the good news is, you need not worry too much about what kind of potatoes you should eat, as most are nutritious. They all have different nutrient profiles — for example, russet potatoes are high in potassium and sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, explains Roney.
"Purple or sugary sweet potatoes will have more carotene, a combination your body can convert into vitamin A, but there are many other ways to get carotene — think of carrots, cantaloupe, red peppers and anything green and leafy," he said. Ayoob. Purple potatoes also contain an antioxidant called anthocyanin, which is also found in other fruits and vegetables of the same color as blue berries, eggplant, and black berries.