Photo: Skylar Kang

Is Potato good for you?

Potatoes for health and nutrition They're rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Potatoes were a life-saving food source in early times because the vitamin C prevented scurvy. Another major nutrient in potatoes is potassium, an electrolyte which aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system.

health.ucdavis.edu - Potato health benefits and why you should eat more spuds

How long should I walk to lose weight?

Physical activity, such as walking, is important for weight control because it helps you burn calories. If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking to...

Last updated Jan 23, 2018

What part of the body loses weight first?

The first place men typically lose weight is the belly, while women tend to lose weight all over, but hold onto weight in their thighs and hips,...

Last updated Feb 17, 2019

Learn More »

Promotion

From mashed potatoes, scalloped cheesy potatoes and the fast-food fried variety, potatoes are everywhere. They’re by far one of the most popular vegetables in America. But are potatoes good for your health?

There seems to be a lot of misconceptions on the health benefits of potatoes. UC Davis Health dietetic intern Adrienne Posner breaks down the nutrition facts on potatoes and why you may want to serve them at your next meal.

Are potatoes vegetables?

Yes. Potatoes are stem tubers and are considered a starchy vegetable. As the name implies, these vegetables contain more starch as compared to others. This isn’t bad. It means that the vegetable delivers more calories and typically less fiber. Starch is a type of carbohydrate that our body breaks into glucose to use as energy. Therefore, starchy foods could be a good food source if you want to add calories or add a food choice to round out a meal. Many cultures serve sides of rice, pasta, or potatoes with meals. These choices add calories and give a “full feeling” to hungry families. Other types of starchy vegetables include:

corn

green peas

winter squash, such as butternut or acorn

sweet potatoes and yams

beans and lentils

Potatoes for health and nutrition

In addition to starch, potatoes contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Potatoes were a life-saving food source in early times because the vitamin C prevented scurvy. Another major nutrient in potatoes is potassium, an electrolyte which aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system. Potato skin contains fiber, which is important for digestive health. Different types of potatoes, especially those that come in other colors, contain more nutrients that have health benefits. In general, the darker the potato, the more antioxidants it contains. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, an important nutrient for immunity and eye health. Purple potatoes are rich in antioxidants including anthocyanins which may prevent heart disease and cancer and boost brain health.1

Types of potatoes

Potatoes come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. There are many different varieties of potatoes. Some of the common types at most grocery stores include:

Fingerling potatoes: Small, stubby, finger-shaped potatoes

Russet potatoes: Large potatoes with dark brown skin and white flesh

Sweet potatoes: Large potatoes with bright orange flesh and sweet taste

White and red potatoes: Many sizes and shapes with either white- or red-colored skin

Purple potatoes: Oval-shaped potatoes with a purplish-black skin and purple flesh

What makes potatoes unhealthy?

Generally, potatoes move into the less than healthy category when they are loaded with toppings such as cheese, sour cream, and bacon. When you are mindful of both portion size and toppings, potatoes can provide comfort and satisfaction with any meal.

So why eat potatoes?

In addition to being budget-friendly, there are many health benefits to potatoes. They’re rich in energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Try to include different varieties of potatoes in your diet to maximize the nutritional benefits.

Healthy potato recipes

These three healthy potato recipes from Good Food Is Good Medicine that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This blog was written by UC Davis Health dietetic intern Adrienne Posner and reviewed by UC Davis Health registered dietitians.

Why do I still look pregnant 2 years after C-section?

During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles stretch apart to accommodate the growing fetus. However, after birth, if these muscles do not go back to...

Last updated Oct 10, 2018

Why not to get a tummy tuck?

Like any other type of major surgery, a tummy tuck poses a risk of bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. ... A tummy tuck...

Last updated Aug 14, 2022

Promotion

Does paneer help in weight loss?

100 grams of paneer contains 72 calories which is pretty low. Since it can be eaten even without loading it with other ingredients and seasonings, it is good for weight loss.

timesofindia.indiatimes.com - Can our desi paneer help in weight loss? Dos and don'ts - Times of India

Who doesn't love butter loaded paneer kadai or a mouthful of paneer tikka? But do you know if eaten in the right way, the paneer can be a part of your weight loss journey. So, brighten up your mood and note down the essential nutrient elements present in the paneer and freshen up your food plate this instant. Paneer, also known as cottage cheese, is quite easy to find. You can always get it from your local milk seller or from departmental stores. One big advantage of paneer is that it does not take much to cook paneer. It can be cooked with the minimum ingredients and since milk is a staple of the Indian diet, we do not need much spices or garnishing to eat a dairy product; our taste buds are fine with eating milk and milk products the way they are. So here is a breakdown of the nutritional values desi paneer or Indian cottage cheese holds:

Is Ozempic used for non diabetics?

⁵ One of the newest weight-loss fads involves the diabetes medication Ozempic (generic drug name semaglutide). However, this injectable medication...

Last updated Jan 19, 2021

What cleanses the liver?

Here is our list of the top eight super-foods to naturally detox and cleanse your liver. Tea. Tea is widely considered to be beneficial for health,...

Last updated Jun 26, 2022

Learn More »

Promotion

What loses the most lower belly fat?

Aerobic exercise (cardio) is an effective way to improve your health and burn calories. Studies also show that it's one of the most effective forms...

Last updated Oct 24, 2020

Promotion

Can cucumbers lose weight?

It's high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions. Also,...

Last updated May 7, 2020