Potatoes are one of the most popular foods in the world, found in everything from chips to baked potatoes. But despite how common they are, there is still debate about whether they are actually as harmless as they seem. Some people believe potatoes can cause health risks if not handled or prepared properly, while others think they are a nutritious and essential part of a balanced diet. In this article, we will explore both sides of the argument and decide whether potatoes are truly a friend… or a food frenemy. We look at two opposing views from our News Desk team…
Why potatoes are BAD!!
This is a very serious topic that includes reported health risks and why we should be cautious about growing, eating, and handling potatoes!
We are going to look at deaths first. Potatoes have been linked to rare cases of illness, and in 1952 there were 22 reported deaths caused by extreme solanine poisoning. This is a toxic substance that can be found in potatoes if they are stored or prepared incorrectly.
Secondly, we will look at how potatoes are often prepared in unhealthy ways. Firstly, people turn them into foods that are high in fat, salt, or sugar, which can be harmful to overall health if eaten too often. A normal medium-sized potato contains around 110–145 calories. However, the way it is cooked makes a big difference.
Here are some possible side effects of eating heavily processed potato foods in excess:
- digestive discomfort (gas/bloating)
- spikes in blood sugar levels
- feeling sluggish after eating
These are the reasons we should be more mindful about how potatoes are prepared and consumed.
By Paige Ramsay-Cousins
Why We Should Eat Potatoes Daily
Potatoes are a delicious and healthy food which we should consume daily. Here are a few reasons why.
Potatoes are an amazing source of fibre
Potatoes and their skin hold an immense amount of fibre, which supports healthy digestion and bowel movement.
Potatoes are a delicious food
Potatoes are very delicious. I don’t believe there is anything more to say.
Potatoes are very versatile
Potatoes are a very versatile food. They can be made into crisps, baked potatoes, chips, waffles, tater tots, croquettes, boiled potatoes, and so many more delicious delicacies.
Potatoes are a great carbohydrate
Potatoes are a complex carbohydrate (especially with their skin on). Complex carbohydrates are amazing for digestion; they help maintain blood sugar levels with their slow digestion. They also help keep you satiated and fuller for longer. This makes them greatly superior to simple carbohydrates for long-term health.
Potatoes are a perfect chain/circle
Potatoes are a circle of life. It begins with a single potato, which is left alone for a period of time without any special circumstances. After a short while, the potato will begin to sprout and grow into potato saplings. This original potato can be planted into soil and will grow into a beautiful potato plant, producing many more potatoes; the cycle continues, generating more and more potatoes each time. A perfect circle of life.
By Daniel Galloway
So, what’s the final verdict on potatoes? As we’ve seen, they can have some risks if they are not prepared or stored properly, and like many foods, eating them in extreme forms isn’t ideal. However, they also have plenty of benefits and can be a healthy, versatile part of a balanced diet when cooked in the right way. Ultimately, potatoes aren’t something to fear or ban, they’re something to understand. It seems the real answer is that potatoes are neither fully good nor bad… they’re somewhere in the middle, depending on how we use them.