6 reasons to eat potatoes again
Potatoes have disappeared from our plates recently as for years, people have been not to eat potatoes because they had a high-sugar impact, which would spike your blood sugar and cause inflammation.
However, new research is piling up about something called “resistant starch” which shows that potatoes are much more nutritious than we ever thought! Turns out spuds aren’t such villains after all.
1 - Not All Carbs Are the Enemy
One key fact: despite their negative reputation, carbohydrates are actually an important part of your diet. But you must choose the right ones!
Carbs with fibre and resistant starch like potatoes provide a host of health benefits, from helping you burn fat and fight disease to improving your insulin sensitivity and boosting gut health.
2 - Potatoes are rich in resistant starch
If you haven’t heard of resistant starch before, it’s pretty much what it sounds like. Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that resists digestion in your small intestine. That means it doesn’t cause inflammation-inducing rises in blood glucose or insulin like simple carbs do.
And when it comes to losing weight, resistant starch is an amazing ally! Studies show that resistant starch intake can not only help boost fat loss and regulate blood sugar levels, it can also reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Resistant starch is also great for your gut! Research proves that resistant starch feeds the friendly bacteria in your digestive tract and helps maintain a healthy balance of gut flora.
3 - Potatoes are loaded with vitamins and minerals
Potatoes are actually packed with nutrients! They’re rich in multiple B vitamins and minerals like potassium, plus just one medium potato contains more than a quarter of your daily vitamin C needs. Don’t be fooled by its simple appearance – the humble potato is actually a superhero spud!
4 - Potatoes are inexpensive
Ever think it costs too much to eat healthy?
In a study of over 6,000 foods, potatoes were identified as one of the most affordable nutrient-rich options. Potatoes are a great choice when you’re looking to stretch your pennies
5 - Potatoes contain health-boosting Phytonutrients
“Phytonutrients” is a term for the plant compounds that are especially good for you. And potatoes have lots of them! Studies show that regularly eating vegetables and fruits with Phytonutrients can help reduce your risk of major chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer.
6 - Potatoes are yummy
Potatoes are delicious! Just be sure not to undo all the advantages of this incredible, Superfood by covering it with potentially inflammatory ingredients like sour cream and cheese.
The potatoes you choose and how you cook them matters!
Here are some important tips…
1 - Never fry your spuds – no chips, hash browns, or crisps! Frying breaks down the resistant starch and leaves behind sugars.
2 - Baking your potatoes increase the amount of resistant starch, so this is a great option.
3 - If you’re boiling potatoes, be sure to boil them in veggie stock, and use that liquid as part of your meal so you don’t lose the vitamins released during boiling.
4 - Baby potatoes are highest in resistant starch, and a variety of colours gives you more Phytonutrients.