Introduction
Potatoes are a staple in many diets around the world, but they can be prepared in a variety of ways. Some methods of cooking potatoes are healthier than others, and this article will discuss the healthiest way to eat potatoes. We will look at the nutritional benefits of potatoes, the healthiest cooking methods, and the best ways to enjoy potatoes without compromising your health. We will also discuss some of the unhealthy ways to prepare potatoes and why they should be avoided. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to make potatoes a healthy part of your diet.
This Is by Far the Healthiest Way To Eat Potatoes — Eat This Not That
Potatoes are a staple in many diets, but they can be unhealthy if not prepared correctly. Eating potatoes in their natural form is the healthiest way to enjoy them. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your potatoes.
Choose the Right Type of Potato
When it comes to potatoes, not all types are created equal. Russet potatoes are the most popular type, but they are high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. Sweet potatoes are a much healthier option, as they are high in fiber and vitamins. Red potatoes are also a good choice, as they are high in antioxidants.
Avoid Adding Unhealthy Toppings
Potatoes are often served with unhealthy toppings such as butter, sour cream, and cheese. These toppings add a lot of calories and fat to the dish. Instead, opt for healthier toppings such as salsa, Greek yogurt, or olive oil.
Bake or Roast Your Potatoes
Frying potatoes is one of the least healthy ways to prepare them. Baking or roasting potatoes is a much healthier option. This method requires little to no oil, and the potatoes will still be crispy and delicious.
Add Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your potatoes is a great way to make them even healthier. Try adding bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach to your potatoes for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Eating potatoes in their natural form is the healthiest way to enjoy them. Choose the right type of potato, avoid unhealthy toppings, bake or roast your potatoes, and add vegetables for an extra boost of nutrition. With these tips, you can make the most of your potatoes and enjoy a healthy meal.
Potatoes are a super versatile vegetable. There are many ways to cook them, as well as many different recipes you can add them to. This root vegetable, similar to many others, provides numerous nutritional benefits that can help your body in more ways than one.
Although these spuds can offer nutritional value to your meal, you must be careful about how you eat them. Not every way you eat them is a healthy way. According to Julie Upton, MS, RD, and member of our Medical Expert Board, the healthiest way to eat your potatoes is to leave the skin on and bake them.
“The healthiest way to eat a potato is baking it with the skin on,” says Upton. “Baked potatoes add no additional calories like frying or roasting with oil.”
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Leaving the skins on the potato brings extra nutrients to the food. For example, one potato skin, about 58 grams, offers 4.5 grams of fiber, and 332 milligrams of potassium (which is a good source of potassium in your daily value). That means that half of the total fiber from a medium potato comes from the skin!
“Potatoes are one of my favorite veggies,” says Upton. “They are packed with potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. A medium potato has about 110 calories making potatoes a diet-friendly option.”
Potatoes are a starchy food which should also be an important part of your diet, as it’s a good source of carbohydrates. According to research published in the journal, Nutrients, aside from the fact that potatoes can contribute to a needed intake of vitamins and micronutrients, studies also suggested that eating potatoes requires less energy rather than when eating pasta or rice. Therefore, it is suggested that potatoes be a part of a balanced diet.
However, it’s important to note that not every way you eat potatoes is going to be healthy. Even baked with the skin on can have its downfalls. You mostly have to be careful about what you top it with. Some toppings add little nutritional value and too many extra calories, so it’s important to select toppings, if any, that will help make you feel full and also won’t ruin the value of the potato.
“The key is watching high-fat, high-cal toppings like butter, sour cream, gravy, and bacon bits,” suggests Upton. “Instead, top them with beans, salsa, chili, veggies, or a bit of shredded parmesan.”
Kayla Garritano