Potatoes have taken a lot of heat (not just in fryers or ovens) because they have been labeled as bad carbohydrates. Sweet potatoes are often the given a lot of praise, and rightfully so, but regular potatoes are often cast by the wayside. Diet trends, inaccurate health claims, and old research have demonized spuds. The truth is that potatoes are not to blame; rather, it is how they are prepared that matters most.
While this isn’t something to be proud of, the potato is the most consumed vegetable in the Americans diet. Americans do need to eat more greens, but potatoes aren’t that bad. The Journal of Advances in Nutrition published an article stating that white potatoes should be included as a root vegetable in healthy diets. The reason people claim that potatoes are unhealthy is because they are typically prepared with butter, cream, deep-fried, or baked with cheese, all of which increase the fat and calorie content.
Potatoes are classified as high glycemic foods, due to the fact that they can quickly raise blood sugar levels. Diabetics should be cautious when it comes to eating any potato. People without diabetes shouldn’t go overboard with potatoes and they should eat them with low glycemic index, high fiber foods, like lentils, beans, nuts, kale, squash, or avocados, to counteract the sugar spikes.
Potatoes have a bad reputation because of potato chips, a lot of which don’t actually contain potatoes! People also overindulge when it comes to French fries, potato skins, or other unhealthy potato preparations. We feel that potatoes deserve another chance because they contain fiber, B-vitamins, potassium, copper, manganese, and vitamin C. We have some healthy recipes for potatoes below, so try them out and see how you like them.
Chickpea And Potato Curry
Also known as Chana Aloo, this curry from Trinidad is very similar to vegetarian, tomato-based curries from India. The diverse spices truly give this curry an island flavor that you want to keep coming back for after every bite.
Click here to make the recipe.
Potato Wedges With An Avocado Dip
Whether you want a little snack, side dish, or appetizer, these potato wedges can be a great addition to your recipe catalog.
Click here to make the recipe.
A Raw Take On Mashed Potatoes
One of the best things about being on a raw foods diet is finding healthier ways to make the unhealthy things you used to eat. In case you want to try a potato alternative, this is the way to go!
Click here to make the recipe.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
