3 myths about potatoes I’m sick of hearing

Spuds deserve more credit, IMO. ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( In a Nutshell I recently experienced a very disappointing moment. During a team meeting with co-workers who shall not be named, I asked everyone to share their favorite way to eat and/or cook potatoes. (We also do work sometimes, I promise.) Instead of the glee (or even mild enthusiasm) I had hoped for, I was met with silence. “Uh, mashed potatoes, I guess?” one person finally managed. “Potato chips!” another chimed in with feigned excitement. I looked around and saw nothing but indifferent, unamused faces. Not the potato-passionate crowd I’d imagined, that much was clear. Honestly, I shouldn’t have been surprised. I’ve heard lots of accusations thrown at potatoes throughout my life — high in carbs, boring, tasteless. But the truth is, spuds don’t get nearly as much credit — nutritionally or otherwise — as they deserve. Below, I debunk three myths about potatoes that I’m truly tired of hearing. • [You don’t need a lot of time or money to make self-care a priority]( • [What Vicks VapoRub can — and cannot — do for your health]( • [Your guide to assembling a personalized cancer team]( Hear me out, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Ginger Wojcik July 19, 2024 • 4 min read [3 myths about potatoes I’m sick of hearing]( what’s got us buzzing [3 myths about potatoes I’m sick of hearing]( ❌Myth: Potatoes are unhealthy because they’re high in carbs. ✅Fact: Potatoes are complex carbs that are high in fiber.️ Western culture has a complicated — dare I say, toxic — relationship with [carbohydrates](, so it’s par for the course that potatoes get demonized for their high carb content. Yes, potatoes are primarily composed of carbs. However, when you eat them with the skin on, they pack a healthy dose of fiber, helping you stay fuller longer and making them less likely to spike your blood sugar than simple carbs.️ ❌Myth: Eating potatoes is a risk factor for obesity and diabetes. ✅Fact: Eating highly processed foods is a risk factor for obesity and diabetes.️ Potatoes are commonly consumed as processed foods (think: French fries and potato chips). [Processing foods]( can strip away nutritional value and add potentially problematic elements like sugar and saturated fat. However, the [research]( doesn’t show that eating potatoes in general increases your risk for chronic conditions. ❌Myth: Potatoes are boring and don’t “add” anything to a meal. ✅Fact: Potatoes are a highly versatile ingredient that can be a vessel for flavor.️ Is this my opinion and not an actual fact? Yes. Am I going to say it anyways? Also yes. Versatile potatoes are happy to be the star of the show, as they are in latkes, home fries, and potatoes au gratin. And they’re happy to take the supporting role in a hearty stew or a breakfast hash. There are simply too many ways to prepare potatoes to dismiss them completely. ️️ Tips for incorporating potatoes into a balanced diet - Keep the skin on! This is where a majority of their nutrients are located. - Let them cool down before eating. This may lower their [glycemic index]( considerably. - Cook them without adding saturated fats. Try boiling or roasting with olive oil. - Store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. Toss them out if they sprout or start to turn green. Three healthy ways to cook potatoes, from our friends at [Wellos]( - [Potato skillet with baked eggs and kale pesto]( - [Tarragon potato salad with cured salmon and lemon vinaigrette]( - [Instant Pot creamy chickpea potato soup]( Great finds No scrubs [Full Circle Ring Veggie Brush]( [Full Circle Ring Veggie Brush]( Does it feel like you could be washing your veggies better? Or, better question: Is there always a little bit of crud left on your potatoes and mushrooms after you rinse them? If so, this brush could be a great addition to your kitchen. It’s made from bamboo and has recycled plant fiber and plastic bristles that effectively scrub fruits and veggies without damaging their nutrient-packed skin. It’s also designed to conveniently hang on your wall for drying between uses. [SHOP NOW]( Every product we recommend has gone through either [Healthline's]( or Optum Store’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. FROM OPTUM PERKS [Save Up to 80% on Your Prescriptions]( [Save Up to 80% on Your Prescriptions]( Pay less for your diabetes medication with Optum Perks’ free discount card.* Use it at over 64,000 pharmacies across the United States. [START SAVING [→]]( *It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit. health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 🫣 [Why you have dry eyes at night and how to soothe them.]( Find relief with these treatments and natural remedies. 🫂 [The signs of mixed dementia.]( Plus, risk factors to know about. ⚧️ [Testosterone levels by age.]( Learn how your T levels may change throughout your life. 😷 [Is it safe to work out when you’re sick?]( The age-old question, answered once and for all. Thanks for listening to me hash out my feelings about potatoes! If you have any further potato-related thoughts you’d like to contribute to this conversation, let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming newsletter.) Have a lovely weekend! Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by home fries. 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