What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Potatoes Daily... or Every Other Day (2024)

Are potatoes healthy? Potatoes are anything but a "bad" carb. For one, spuds are sustainable, with a low carbon and water footprint, and less land is required for their production compared to other crops, according to a 2021 study in—get this—the journal Potato Research.

Despite their often-unhealthy reputation, potatoes claimed the top spot as the most commonly consumed vegetable in the United States, according to the Department of Agriculture. (Tomatoes are trailing behind!)

But what happens if you eat potatoes? Will your health suffer? Let's take a deep dive to discover potatoes' nutritional value, potential health benefits and drawbacks of eating this tuber every day.

Health Benefits of Potatoes

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Potatoes Daily... or Every Other Day (1)

Pictured Recipe: Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

You May Be More Regular

One potato without skin offers a couple of grams of fiber, but eating the skin with the potato will add another gram of fiber, per the USDA. This can help you reach your recommended amount of fiber (25 to 38 grams per day), which can help you stay regular. In short, you may be less likely to be constipated when you eat potatoes with the skin and other fiber-containing foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains.

You May Feel Full Longer

The form of potatoes you eat could impact your satiety—this could be related to how potato starch changes structure after cooking, points out a 2020 study in Nutrients.

Specifically, boiling potatoes creates slowly digestible and resistant starches, per research in LWT in 2020. This ultimately delays digestion and carbohydrate absorption. Consequently, when your meals include potatoes, you may feel full and satisfied longer, according to 2018 research in Nutrients. Ultimately, you may be less likely to overeat or have the urge to snack shortly after your meal.

You May Improve Your Gut Health

Whole potatoes contain resistant starch, which gets fermented by bacteria in your colon. That means that spuds are considered a prebiotic, so they feed the "good" bacteria in your gut, according to 2019 research in the American Journal of Potato Research. Eating whole potatoes and other food sources of prebiotics, such as garlic, helps maintain a healthy microbiome, improving digestion and supporting immune health.

You May Have Better Blood Pressure

Potatoes are abundant in potassium, says the National Institutes of Health, a mineral that supports your nerves, muscles, kidneys and heart. Potassium also plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. One potato provides a good source of potassium.

Potato Nutrition Facts

One cooked potato (about 5 ounces) with skin contains the following, per the USDA:

  • Calories: 118
  • Total Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2 g
  • Total Sugars: 1 g (naturally occurring)
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Total Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Potassium: 515 mg
  • Vitamin C: 18 mg

Potential Downsides

Potatoes May Cause Your Blood Sugar to Spike

Cooked potatoes have a relatively high glycemic index, which means the food raises blood sugar more quickly than others. Depending on the potato variety and cooking method, potatoes' glycemic index can range from 50 to 111, according to 2022 research in Foods. (Russets are the highest.) Generally speaking, thanks to the added fiber, whole potatoes with the skin and sliced potatoes with the skin have a lower GI than plain mashed or diced potatoes.

Earlier research published in 2010 in The FASEB Journal also found that precooked, cooled and reheated potatoes could have a lower glycemic load than freshly cooked potatoes—it's one strategy you may be able to use if you're working on managing your blood sugar.

How much your blood sugar increases after eating potatoes also depends on your portion size and other foods in the meal. Combining potatoes with other high-fiber plant-based foods may help with better blood sugar control.

If you are concerned about how potatoes can spike your blood sugar, choose a potato variety with a lower GI, such as red potatoes and Nicola potatoes, enjoy smaller portions with your meals and include nonstarchy vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or leafy greens in your meal.

Certain Cooking Methods May Increase Dangerous Compounds in Potatoes

Acrylamide is a compound formed when natural sugars in potatoes and other plant-based foods interact with the amino acid asparagine under high heat. When you bake, roast and fry potatoes, there may be a higher chance of acrylamide forming, according to the Food and Drug Administration. (Frying causes the highest acrylamide formation.)

Animal studies have suggested that acrylamide may be linked to cancer, but the FDA says that it's unknown if acrylamide poses any health risk to people.

Boiling and steaming potatoes, on the other hand, are less likely to lead to acrylamide formation. (You can decrease the formation of this compound by soaking raw potato slices in water for 15 to 30 minutes before high-heat cooking, says the FDA.) Eating foods with potentially higher levels of acrylamide, such as french fries and potato chips, in moderation is recommended.

Unripe Potatoes Could Be Toxic

Exposing potatoes directly to sunlight can lead to their white flesh turning green and sprouts forming. This indicates the formation of solanine, a bitter chemical that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, says the USDA. When you see green appearing in a potato, it is best to throw it away.

To prevent solanine from forming, store potatoes in a cool, dry and dark environment, such as a basem*nt, cellar, garage, kitchen drawer or cabinet or a paper bag. When stored between 45°F and 50°F, they can last up to two to three months.

Best Ways to Cook and Enjoy Potatoes

As a starchy vegetable, potatoes combine well with protein and a nonstarchy vegetable—together, they make a well-balanced meal. Leaving on the potato skin also adds extra fiber to your diet. You can enjoy potatoes by cooking them in several ways.

Boiling and Simmering

Enjoy a nutritious meal with our , where you bring the potatoes to a boil and then simmer until tender.

Need more veggies in your day? Add extra to your meal with our recipe.

If you crave cooled potatoes, our Curried Potato Salad also won't disappoint.

Steaming

Simply steaming whole potatoes until tender (about 15 minutes) creates a delicious side. Add herbs and spices for additional flavors.

Roasting

Using the oven to roast potatoes either alone or with Brussels sprouts makes them an ideal side to go with your entree. Our German-Style Purple Potato Salad also uses roasted potatoes to offer an additional layer of flavor compared to the traditional German potato salad, which calls for boiled potatoes instead.

Air-Frying

Air fryers are not only for making fries but also for making delicious baked potatoes.

Potatoes also pair well with soups, curries and salads. If you monitor your blood sugar levels, cook them tender but firm when piercing them with a fork.

The Bottom Line

It is totally fine to eat potatoes every day. While how you prepare and cook potatoes and how much you eat could possibly impact your health, whole potatoes with skin are a nutritious vegetable with health benefits. There are many ways to enjoy this versatile tuber—check out our Healthy Potato Recipes to get meal ideas and inspiration today!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it healthy to eat potatoes every day?

    It is perfectly alright to eat potatoes every day, but how you prepare them and how much you eat also matters. Eating potatoes with skin on is recommended.

  • Are potatoes considered a bad carb?

    Whole potatoes aren't a bad carb. They provide many essential nutrients, like potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Potatoes also have resistant starches, which may contribute to supporting a healthy gut.

  • Are potatoes more nutritious than rice?

    While both potatoes and rice are starchy, they differ in their nutritional offerings. If you love both starches, why not enjoy both? Just be mindful of your preparation and cooking methods and their portion size.

  • Who should avoid potatoes?

    People who have decreased kidney function or kidney disease may need to keep an eye on the potato portions they consume, due to potatoes' high potassium content. Speak with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate amount based on your health.

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Potatoes Daily... or Every Other Day (2024)

FAQs

What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Potatoes Daily... or Every Other Day? ›

Potatoes are a decent source of fiber, which can help you feel full longer. Fiber also can help prevent heart disease by keeping your cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check. Potatoes are also rich in antioxidants that prevent diseases and vitamins that help your body function properly.

What happens to your body if you eat potatoes every day? ›

​ There can be benefits of eating a potato everyday. According to health experts, it could lower your blood pressure, as long as you aren't deep frying it or topping or pairing it with foods high in saturated fat. The fiber and potassium in potatoes are good for heart health.

How many times a week should you eat potatoes? ›

The Bottom Line. It is totally fine to eat potatoes every day. While how you prepare and cook potatoes and how much you eat could possibly impact your health, whole potatoes with skin are a nutritious vegetable with health benefits.

What does potatoes do to your body? ›

They're rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Potatoes were a life-saving food source in early times because the vitamin C prevented scurvy. Another major nutrient in potatoes is potassium, an electrolyte which aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system.

What is the 3 day potato diet? ›

On the potato diet, you eat only plain potatoes for 3–5 days. It's claimed to aid weight loss, restore gut health, and boost immunity. Though it may help you lose weight, it hasn't been studied, is extremely restrictive, lacks certain nutrients, and may lead to unhealthy eating behaviors.

What are the pros and cons of potatoes? ›

The Bottom Line. Potatoes are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and resistant starch. However, fried potatoes may also come with some potential negative effects, including weight gain, especially when consumed in large amounts.

How many potatoes should I eat a day to lose weight? ›

Rule 1: Eat only plain, cooked potatoes for three to five days. Rule 2: Consume around two to five pounds of potatoes per day. Rule 3: No other foods including condiments and toppings, such as ketchup, butter, sour cream and cheese are allowed. Rule 4: Some salt is okay, but try to limit it.

When should you not eat potatoes? ›

As they age, or with improper storage, potatoes may develop sprouting and green spots. If there isn't any sprouting, you can use the color change as an indicator of spoilage. If the skin looks greenish or if there's sprouting present, you'll need to remove the sprouts or toss the whole potato, depending on severity.

Can eating too much potato be bad? ›

Eating too many potatoes or too much in general during a meal can cause digestive issues such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, and gas. This is especially true if the meal is loaded with fat and grease like a plate full of french fries or a potato piled with butter or cream.

Are potatoes healthier than rice? ›

Potatoes also have vitamin C, unlike rice. Plus, potatoes contain three times more minerals than rice, such as phosphorus, potassium and magnesium when you leave the skin on. Sweet potatoes on the other hand are even healthier than the standard potato, containing as much as twice the high amounts of vitamin!

What is the #1 SuperFood? ›

1. Dark Leafy Greens. Dark green leafy vegetables (DGLVs) are an excellent source of nutrients including folate, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C and fiber.

Which potatoes are healthiest? ›

All potatoes can fit into a healthy diet, but purple potatoes, red potatoes, and sweet potatoes—which are often grouped with potatoes—stand out due to their high amounts of protective plant compounds and essential nutrients.

What organ is potatoes good for? ›

The potato's fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. Potatoes contain significant amounts of fiber. Fiber helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.

What happens to your body if you only eat potatoes? ›

Though potatoes themselves are pretty nutritious, they do lack some essential nutrients. The potato diet may result in nutritional deficiencies if followed long-term. Weight loss is likely to be short-term: Any weight lost during very short fad diets may not be kept off long-term.

What are the 7 major health benefits of potatoes? ›

The Bottom Line

Studies have linked potatoes and their nutrients to a variety of impressive health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, reduced heart disease risk and higher immunity. They may also improve digestive health and combat signs of aging.

Is potato good for skin? ›

Potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that work together to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. The high starch content in potatoes helps to lock in moisture, while the abundant vitamin C and B-complex vitamins promote skin cell regeneration and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Is potato good for high blood pressure? ›

Certain nutritionists and health experts have come out in the favour of potatoes by suggesting that food items that are rich in potassium like potatoes should be eaten by those who suffer from high blood pressure levels.

What is the healthiest way to cook potatoes? ›

Cook potatoes by boiling, steaming or microwaving them without adding other ingredients. Preparing potatoes in this manner will ensure that they are very low in salt, sugar and fat. 3. Another method of cooking potato the healthy way is to cook it with its skin this provides fiber to the body.

Are potatoes good for your stomach? ›

Feel free to reheat them before you eat. Like soluble fiber, the resistant starch in potatoes acts as a prebiotic, compounds that are helpful to the bacteria in your gut. Like insoluble fiber, it can prevent or treat constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

What happens if you don't eat potatoes? ›

Potatoes provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. “Excluding them without suitable replacements may lead to nutrient deficiencies,” Arora noted.

Is it unhealthy to eat potatoes every day? ›

Eating potatoes daily is generally not harmful, as they are a good source of nutrients. However, it's essential to maintain a balanced diet and include a variety of foods to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients.

Which is better for you white rice or potatoes? ›

Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. Potatoes are also high in fiber, helping to satiate hunger and regulate blood sugar.

What is the 14 day potato diet? ›

Penn says he ate about five potatoes a day. Penn ate nothing but potatoes, either baked or boiled. No butter, cheese, sour cream, or bacon bits… just plain old potatoes. After 14 days of eating nothing but potatoes, Penn had lost 14 pounds.

Can potatoes cause digestive problems? ›

Potatoes are known to contain glycoalkaloids which may induce gastrointestinal and systemic effects if consumed in high amounts. Local consumers are seldomly exposed to levels of glycoalkaloids that cause serious health effects.

Can eating too many potatoes make you tired? ›

It's the starch and not as much fiber as some other vegetables. Starches are easily digestible so they can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar followed by a rapid drop. That's what makes you tired. If you're looking for an alternative sweet potatoes are much much better.

Are potatoes good for your heart? ›

As long as they're not deep-fried, potatoes can be good for your heart. They're rich in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure, and they're high in fiber, which can lower the risk for heart disease. "They are definitely not a junk food or refined carbohydrate," said Graf.

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