The most commonly used side dish in German cuisine is probably potatoes. Now a study proves that the tuber is also extremely healthy.
Boiled, mashed, fried or as a salad, the potato takes on many different forms in German cuisine. The tubers are often used as a delicious filling side dish to fill our plates and stomachs. People often forget how healthy potatoes actually are. A study in the “Journal of Nutrition” shows how potatoes can contribute to a healthy diet.
How healthy are potatoes really?
Potatoes have become an integral part of plates, not only in German households but all over the world. The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, even shows that regular consumption of potatoes can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and even prolong life. Potatoes are also full of important nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C and fiber, writes HEIDELBERG24.de.
The current study was conducted by researchers in Norway. The dietary habits of over 77,000 adults were examined over a period of 33.5 years. It found that people who ate more potatoes generally had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a longer life expectancy. If you want to eat a really healthy diet with potatoes, you should always choose the healthiest potato.
Is it healthy to eat potatoes every day?
According to the German Nutrition Society and various nutritionists, we should eat four portions of grain, bread, pasta, rice or potatoes per day. This corresponds to an amount of 200 to 250 grams or three to four medium-sized potatoes. For a varied taste, it's worth switching back and forth between carbohydrates. If you don't like that, you can breathe a sigh of relief because it's definitely healthy to eat potatoes every day.
Participants in the study in the “Journal of Nutrition” averaged about 13 potatoes per week. This equates to approximately two potatoes per day. The effect was eye-opening: those who regularly had potatoes on their plate had a lower mortality rate during the study period.
In which form is the potato healthiest?
In addition, the study shows how important it is to eat the potatoes in a certain way. In Norway in the 1970s to 1980s, potatoes were cooked the most and this also seems to be the healthiest cooking method. Cooked potatoes have a low glycemic index and are considered particularly rich in nutrients.
Basically, vegetables should be prepared as gently as possible. This happens when you cook the potato with the skin on, as the skin protects the vitamins and minerals during cooking. Another option is steaming, in which the nutrients are lost only minimally. There is even a pure potato diet that can help you lose weight. This may be useful in conjunction with a healthy diet.
Are potatoes good or bad carbs?
When it comes to carbohydrates, people like to differentiate between good and bad carbohydrates. Good carbohydrates are those that keep you full for a long time, do not cause blood glucose levels to rise too much and are healthy for the body. Bad carbohydrates are, for example, sugary foods or snacks that only fill you up for a short period of time and trigger cravings.
Luckily, potatoes are one of the good carbohydrates. Thanks to the long-chain carbohydrates, potatoes ensure a good and lasting feeling of satiety. They also consist of almost 80 percent water and have few calories compared to pasta or rice. Of course, this does not apply to French fries or chips, as they contain a lot of fat. The only question that remains is, is the potato or the sweet potato actually healthier? (rah)
