Are Potatoes a Food of Good or Bad? You Work It Out.

Are Potatoes a Food of Good or Evil? You Work It Out.

Potatoes are the fourth largest food crop in the world today and were once favoured by Marie Antionette, France’s last queen before the revolution. It is said that she liked the food crop that much that she placed the flower blossoms in her hair, while King Louis XVI wore the blossoms in his buttonholes. This may have even been a clever marketing tactic to promote her favorability of the food and encourage more planting and harvesting of the crop.

Sadly, potatoes have morphed into fried morsels of nasties over the centuries, soaked in trans fats products used to fry the foods and served with an abundance of added salt. In a study undertaken by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers uncovered that eating fried potatoes at least twice a week appeared to lead to an increased risk of mortality. Unfried potatoes had no association to the increased risk.

It is also important to note that other factors which include obesity, limited exercise or lack of physical activity, and the overuse of salt, could also contribute substantially to an increased risk.

A medium-sized potato contains no fat, salt or cholesterol, and has only 110 calories. This sized potato contains a third of the recommended daily vitamin C intake and has more potassium present than a banana. Wow, did you really know that potato contained these few goodies?

The real danger with fried potato and that of other starchy and processed foods is acrylamide. This is a chemical produced when the food ‘browns’ and sets off a potential to cause cancer. You can easily reduce your risk of consuming this toxic chemical by boiling or steaming your potatoes instead and opt for lesser browned fries if you are really craving some of the oily snacks.

Potatoes themselves, however, are a harbour for high blood sugar levels. They are a heavy carb-based food source which causes a spike in blood sugar and a release of insulin.  The energy you get from eating potatoes often burns off quickly, and you are left feeling hungry again after not too long. This can lead to overeating and weight gain if you are not careful. In between hunger pangs you could look to snack on some seeds, nuts and natural herbal teas to get you through.

Sweet potato is a good alternative to regular potatoes, and it could work in your favour to look for some healthy sweet potato recipes that don’t require any frying instead. Due to their sweet and savoury flavour, sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient.

Eating in moderation and being mindful of nasty additives within your foods, can generally reduce your risk of mortality as a result of unhealthy dieting practices. A diet full of wholesome un-refined foods, including plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, is usually a good grounding.

Don’t just rely on potatoes to get you through, as there are plenty of healthier options around to fill to your plate with instead. Have you seen the amazing health benefits that are packed into a cup of organic Matcha Green Tea? Check out the details of this little beauty online at Bondi Beach Tea Co. Get in quick for our sale prices, shop online now!