What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Potatoes Every Day?

Potatoes can be surprisingly healthy

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you think of potatoes as a very unhealthy food. That’s because potatoes fuel the chips that we scarf down while watching sports games or the fries that we chow on between bites of our burgers. And while chips and fries are both delicious, everybody understands that they are not a very healthy food to consume.

However, potatoes themselves are not inherently unhealthy. As with so many other foods, it all comes down to how they are prepared. For example, a potato dressed with minimal salt and fat can be deliciously healthy. And by the end of this article, you’ll know the healthiest–and tastiest–ways to prepare potatoes for yourself.

Is it okay to eat a potato a day?

Are you wanting to engage with your inner Samwise Gamgee? If so, you might be tempted to eat a potato a day. Before you can tuck in and serve yourself a second breakfast, though, you probably have a big question. Simply put, is it okay to eat a potato a day?

The short answer is that eating the right kind of potato each day can be perfectly healthy. If you consume a medium-sized potato that doesn’t have too much salt, fat, or butter, you will be fine because it is relatively healthy. And you will not have an increased cardiometabolic risk, which means scarfing down a potato a day won’t increase your risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.

A revealing study about potatoes

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 04: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been digitally retouched) In this image released on June 04, 2024 in London, England, A general view of Poppy O’Toole’s air fryer Peri Peri Halloumi Fakeaway from her new recipe collection for McCain, taken during the launch of McCain’s new Air Fryer range officially endorsed by Ninja, including Deep Ridge Crinkle Chips and French Fries. A new campaign crowning Poppy O’Toole as The Potato Queen. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for McCain)

Still not convinced that potatoes can be healthy? Fortunately, some recent science backs up what we are saying. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition examined what would happen if someone ate a potato a day. To do so, the study looked at 50 healthy adults, and they were tasked with swapping our one of their typical side dishes with one consisting of 200 calories of either refined grains or potatoes. After a break of two weeks or more, they returned to the usual side dish.

The results of the study were fascinating, especially for those who think that potatoes are an inherently unhealthy dish. According to the study, participants who had been chowing down on potatoes had higher potassium and fiber intake levels than those who did not. Furthermore, eating potatoes daily like this did not increase cholesterol, insulin, or glucose levels. Finally, those who had been eating potatoes had a higher overall diet quality.

What do the results of this study mean?

BERLIN, GERMANY – JANUARY 19: Regina potatoes lie on display at the Green Week (Gruene Woche) agricultural trade fair on its opening day on January 19, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. The fair runs from January 19-28. It is taking place following recent nationwide protests by farmers against government bureaucracy as well as proposed government financial cutbacks. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Now you know what the results of this cutting-edge potato study are. However, knowing the results and knowing what they mean are two very different animals. With that in mind, it’s important to answer another burning question: just what do the results of this study actually mean?

Starting with the obvious: this study proves that potatoes, when prepared in a healthy way and eaten in moderation, are perfectly healthy. This doesn’t mean that French fries or chips are now healthy, of course. But if you’re willing to eat a more traditional potato without covering it in unhealthy ingredients, then a ‘tater a day might just keep the doctor away!

The results also mean that potatoes offer a healthy way for people to get some much-needed vegetables in their diets. Sure, it’s good to mix in some non-starch veggies as well, but this is one easy way to make sure you get your daily dose of vegetables.

How to eat potatoes in the healthiest possible way

We’ve been focusing a lot on how potatoes can be healthy as long as you prepare them that way. What, then, are the healthiest ways to eat potatoes? First, try to control the portion size. Try to eat medium-sized potatoes that are no larger than your computer mouse, and use it as a side dish for your dinner.

Next, try steaming, baking, or roasting potatoes to retain their health benefits as well as their flavor. Avoid loading the whole thing up with butter or sour cream, and avoid adding too much salt. Finally, keep the potato skin on…it’s very tasty and also serves as a great source of fiber and nutrients!