Potatoes are readily available, inexpensive, and they can be good for you depending upon how you cook them and the amount you consume. Personally, I believe that the best diet is a balanced diet and that portion control is key to maintaining a healthy weight. But, it must be noted that those “people who need to avoid certain types of starches or foods with a high glycemic index may need to limit their consumption of certain types of potatoes” (diabetes.org).
Consumption
The per capita (per person) of fresh potato consumption in the United States was about 33.2 pounds in 2016, down from an estimated 47.1 pounds in 2000. Consumption of frozen potatoes during that same period also declined from 57.5 pounds per person in 2000 to 47.5 pounds per person in 2016 (nationalpotatocouncil.org).. People seem to be eating around 24 pounds fewer potatoes each year. However, the consumption of French fries and chips increased from 15.6 pounds in 2000 to 19.8 pounds in 2015. So, while we are eating fewer potatoes overall, we are eating more potatoes that are fried in saturated fats and are considered unhealthy. But, also keep in mind that these statistics are estimated based on published population statistics which may or may not be accurate.
Low Carb Diets
Timothy S. Harlan M.D. who is also known as “Dr. Gourmet,” on the Food Network and DIY Network, comments that “Potatoes have gotten a bad rap, mostly because of the Atkins diet. We now know that low-carbohydrate diets are just plain silly (why quit eating entire food groups?) and eating potatoes is fine. There are a lot of good carb choices and potatoes should be part of your pantry along with brown rice, sweet potatoes or yams, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, polenta and corn (drgourmet.com).”
“Sweet potatoes aren’t technically potatoes because they come from a different family of plants, but they’re related” (thescienceofeating.com). Sweet potatoes have slightly fewer calories than other potatoes (about 90 calories in a medium potato). They provide 400 percent of your daily requirement of Vitamin A (good for eye health), slightly more vitamin C, more fiber and less total carbohydrates than a white potato. They also provide some calcium which a white potato does not. However, sweet potatoes contain triple the amount of sugar, less protein, less potassium, less magnesium, and no iron compared to the white potato.
A Well Balanced Diet
“All potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, containing starches, glycogen, and fiber. Carbohydrates are the body’s fuel source and are essential for muscle and brain health. While excess carbohydrates, like any other food, can contribute to weight gain, they are necessary to your body. According to Potato Goodness Unearthed, severely limiting your intake of carbohydrates can result in your body getting them from its protein stores. The fiber in a potato helps lower cholesterol and keeps your digestive system regular.” (livestrong.com)
Potatoes really can be a healthy food choice if prepared correctly, using low-calorie or healthy ingredients and toppings. But if you just can’t resist that sour cream, cream cheese, or crumbled bacon, etc., portion control and maintaining a well-balanced diet overall may be a good alternative and will allow you to keep “lovin” those potatoes.
Be sure to read:
Part Two of this article titled:
“Lovin” Those Potatoes – Which Type of Potato Should I Use?
The article discusses the different types of potatoes available in supermarkets today and selecting the right types of potatoes to use in your favorite potato dishes.
Part Three of this article titled:
“Lovin” Those Potatoes – Tips, Twists, and A Few Favorite Recipes.
The article discusses some tips and new twists for making potato dishes and includes a few of my favorite potato recipes.
