Potatoes are one of the most popular foods, as they can be cooked in various ways and served, whether mashed, grilled or fried.
In her article published by “Eat This, Net That!” (Eat This, Not That!) American writer Clara Olshansky said that sometimes, potatoes are probably the food you need to get a dose of the nutrients they lack. Other times, it can exacerbate some health risks.
Here are 4 things that happen to your body when you eat potatoes regularly:
1- Your muscles will be more relaxed
Potassium is essential for the health and recovery of our muscles, and it helps them contract and relax. Therefore, potatoes are one of the recommended foods, as one potato contains 20% of the daily recommended amount of potassium.
2- Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes may be increased
Potatoes can put you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 2016 study from researchers at Harvard University found that “high consumption of potatoes (including potatoes that are grilled, boiled, mashed, or fried) was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”
Additionally, eating fried potatoes was associated with a higher risk than eating cooked, boiled, or mashed potatoes. The study authors note that “replacing potatoes with whole grains was associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”
3- You may be at risk of high blood pressure
Research examining the effects of a “root vegetable” on the body found that “eating large amounts of potatoes that are grilled, boiled, mashed, or fried was associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure in 3 large groups of adult men and women.”
4- You will feel full until your next meal
Boiled potatoes make you feel more full than white bread, and they are more filling than fish, oatmeal, apples, beef, lentils and many more foods.
The secret is in moderation, focusing on boiled potatoes, and avoiding or reducing the fried potatoes. And also reduce the intake of sauces containing sugar and fats with potatoes such as ketchup and mayonnaise