Despite the ketogenic eating plan and other low-carb eating plans, potatoes have a worse reputation than Emma Stone’s character on Simple A. sweet potato has been the exception, and somehow they have managed to maintain a healthy glow. People are shifting away from “meats and potatoes” to “grass-fed beef and mashed,” and spuds end up looking like a sad, empty bag of…well…well.
It begs the obvious question: Are potatoes good for you? Is it fair for them to be considered culinary outcasts?
Potatoes have been ridiculed over the years for their high carbohydrate count and quick rise in blood sugar. A lot of nutrition experts and diets advise avoiding starchy, white foods because of the spike in blood sugar.
Despite that, potatoes can also be beneficial. According to nutritionists, the humble potato can be a valuable addition to any diet.
Potatoes Have An Excellent Nutritional Profile
It’s all going for in nutrition. Do you need proof? An average large potato, which is raw, has nine grams worth of fiber and 1502 mg of potassium. That’s three times more than what you would find in a banana. 35 mg of vitamin A. 45 percent of your daily recommended intake is obtained from potatoes, which is impressive. Your daily white potato will contain vitamin B6, vitamin D6, phosphorous, folate, and magnesium.
Here’s what you get with one large, white, and raw potato, as per the official guide to potato nutrition.
Calories: 255
Fat: 0.1 grams
Protein: 6 g
Fiber: 9g
Carbohydrates, 58 g
Sugar: 4g
No matter what variety of potatoes you choose, they are generally good for your health.
There Are Many Types Of What We Consider Potatoes.
White potato: Your classic, standard potato. They’re a root crop that can be used to make mashed potatoes and are great for frying.
Russet Potato– A white potato with a higher starch
Sweet Potato – They are a tuber type and contain vitamin A. Like their name, sweet potatoes are more flavorful than other kinds of potatoes. They’re also high in iron and vitamin D.
Yams – These are not the same thing as sweet potatoes. They’re slightly lower in calories and taste less sweet but have more potassium and fiber.
You’re Not Done Yet, But What About The Carbs
Even with these many benefits, many people continue to eat carbs. “One cup of carbs is about the size of your fist when you eat a meal with protein, healthy butter, and vegetables. This is part of a healthy diet. Problem is that if you order a full plate of fries or a baked potato at a restaurant, it will be too large. If you stick to a small portion of potatoes, you should be fine.
While potatoes are high up on the glycemic index (meaning they can have a significant impact on blood glucose), they can also work in your favor, such as after a workout. This quick energy boost can be very helpful when you are looking to refuel.
The Healthiest Way Of Cooking Potatoes
The way you cook your potatoes and the ingredients you use to serve them is important. You’ll get more nutrients from potatoes if they are baked or roasted than if you peel them and make mashed potatoes. The skin is the place where all of the nutrition goodness and fiber of the potato lives. Just give your potato a good scrub.
Yes, potatoes do have health benefits, as long they’re not eaten in excess (like almost everything else). They can be a bit too much for your diet or you don’t want them. If you like baked potatoes with sour cream now and again don’t let the haters scare or discourage you.