Headlines like “Doctors reveal that eating potatoes causes…” are often misleading. Potatoes themselves are not inherently unhealthy. Their effects depend largely on how they’re prepared, how much you eat, and your overall diet.
Here’s what the evidence shows:
Potential downsides
- Fried potatoes (such as French fries or chips) are linked to a higher risk of weight gain and other health problems when eaten frequently because they’re high in calories, fat, and often salt.
- Large portions of potatoes, especially mashed with butter or cream or eaten with sugary drinks, can cause a larger rise in blood sugar than many other vegetables.
- If you have diabetes, you may need to watch portion sizes and pair potatoes with protein, healthy fats, or fiber-rich foods to reduce blood sugar spikes.
Potential benefits
Potatoes are a good source of:
- Potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin B6.
- Fiber, especially when eaten with the skin.
Healthier ways to eat potatoes
- Bake, boil, steam, or roast them instead of frying.
- Leave the skin on when possible for extra fiber.
- Pair them with vegetables and a source of lean protein
