Potatoes often get a bad rap. In the world of dieting and low-carb eating, they’re sometimes labeled the ultimate villain, blamed for weight gain and blood sugar spikes. But the truth is, when prepared the right way, potatoes can actually be a healthy, satisfying, and surprisingly nutritious part of your meals.
Yes, they’re not keto-friendly and can raise glucose levels if eaten in excess. But that doesn’t mean they should be avoided altogether. Baked, roasted, or boiled, without deep-frying or drowning them in butter, potatoes offer a wealth of benefits.
Here’s what makes them such a nutritional powerhouse:
-
Vitamins: Potatoes are high in vitamin C, B6, folate (B9), and niacin (B3).
-
Minerals: They pack a serious potassium punch, more than twice what’s in bananas! They also contain magnesium, iron (which many of us lack), and phosphorus.
-
Antioxidants: Help protect your cells and support overall health.
-
Complex carbohydrates: Provide steady, long-lasting energy without the sugar crash.
-
Satiety: Potatoes rank high on the satiety index, keeping you full and energized for hours.
A simple tip to maximize their benefits: eat potatoes with the skin on. That’s where the fibre lives! For a quick, nourishing treat, cut baby potatoes, or any potato, into small pieces, drizzle with avocado oil (which can handle high heat), and roast them for about 35 minutes. Delicious, simple, and satisfying.
Potatoes aren’t the enemy, they’re just misunderstood. With the right preparation, they can be a comforting, nutrient-rich addition to your meals, keeping you full and energized throughout the day
--Written by Hala Ali, founder of Dietapplements
