Oh, the potato. Poems have been written about this starchy vegetable, and it’s easy to understand why. Potatoes are delicious, budget-friendly, versatile and filling. It’s no wonder it was the staple crop of Ireland in the early 1800’s.
Unfortunately, potatoes have been much maligned in recent years, along with many other carbs. It’s time to elevate the potato back to it’s proper position as a healthy staple. Potatoes are antioxidant rich, loaded with heart-healthy potassium and other minerals, and are a good source of vitamin C and B vitamins. About half of the nutrients are in the skin, or just under it, so make sure you are eating the skins. They are also rich in something called resistant starch, particularly when cooled. Resistant starch “resists” digestion, much like fiber, and helps you feel full. So it’s a good thing to include in your diet, to help prevent and reverse obesity.
Not all potato products are created equally, however. The best ways to prepare potatoes are to bake, roast or boil them. Pre-packaged and deep-fried items (such as chips and French fries) tend to have the nutrient-dense peels removed. They also have a lot of added calories in the form of fat. So it’s best to have those items only once in a while. If you don’t like the skins, try eating “new” potatoes which have a thinner, more appetizing skin.
I highly recommend this recipe for Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes. Happy Eating!
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