Yes, potatoes do help you lose weight. However, you need to pay attention to what kind of potato you consume. Certain kinds of potatoes are high in fiber which gives you a feeling of fullness. This means that you can eat more without feeling hungry. Moreover, some potatoes contain high amounts of natural sugars which cause the pancreas to release insulin. This, in turn, reduces the amount of sugar in the blood which leads to weight loss. So, here are the top 5 reasons why you should eat more potatoes.
1. They’re A Good Source Of Fiber.
Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. It helps maintain a normal bowel movement and prevents constipation. Moreover, the insoluble fiber in potato makes it a good source of dietary fiber. One medium potato contains about 4 grams of fiber. This is more than sufficient for a healthy diet. So, eat more fiber-rich foods such as whole-grain bread, pasta, and potatoes to maintain a healthy weight. In case you’re wondering, the recommended daily intake of fiber for men is 24 grams and for women it is 19 grams.
2. They Have Natural Sweetners.
Sweeteners are important as we often consume sugar even when we aren’t physically hungry. Some people say that sugar is a depressant while others claim that it’s a stimulant. Regardless, there is no denying that sugar is very popular, especially among adults. However, not all sugars are created equal. Some foods contain high amounts of natural sugars which act as a source of fuel while others contain added sugar which is subsequently metabolized into glucose. The key is to eat foods with natural sugars rather than those with added sugar.
One of the best sources of natural sugar is potatoes. They contain approximately 2.5 grams of sugar per medium potato. This is a lot of sugar for a food that’s mostly made up of starch. However, the sugar in potatoes is not added to the food as humans cannot digest it. This means that all of those carbs stay intact and provide your body with lots of fuel. The good thing is that when you eat something with natural sugars, you’re not as likely to become insulin resistant which, in turn, can lead to weight gain. So, eat more sugar-rich foods like sweet potatoes, yams, and marshmallows whenever you can.
3. They’re A Good Source Of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient which your body cannot make. It helps maintain a healthy immune system and tissue growth. Moreover, it supports the body’s natural detox process. Vitamin C inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses which make it very effective in fighting infections. Finally, vitamin C also improves the body’s fat burning process. This is why you should eat more foods rich in vitamin C like strawberries, bell peppers, and tomatoes. They’re excellent sources of nutrients which help keep the weight off.
4. They Have Complex Carbs.
Complex carbs are a good source of fuel for your body. They take longer to digest than simple carbs which means that they provide your body with more fuel over a period of time. Moreover, complex carbs are more likely to be filling than those that are simple. So, if you’re looking for foods that provide energy but aren’t too high in calories, opt for complex carbs.
Potatoes are a great source of complex carbs. They contain various enzymes that break down complex starch into simple glucose. This glucose is then transferred into the blood where it can be used as fuel by the body’s cells. However, not all potatoes are created equal. The starch in potatoes contains lots of resistant starch which is indigestible. Moreover, some of this starch will be fermented by bacteria in your gut. It is also possible that some of the starch could be made into sugars which subsequently cause tooth decay. So, eat lots of whole-grain bread, pasta, and potatoes to get the most out of their complex carbs. Moreover, these complex carbs provide your body with various essential nutrients which help you stay healthy.
5. They Have A Low Glycemic Index.
The glycemic index of a food measures how quickly it is converted into glucose. The higher the glycemic index of a food, the sooner it will be converted into glucose and the more quickly it will provide you with fuel. White potatoes have a relatively low glycemic index which means that they provide your body with fewer calories per bite. Moreover, some studies suggest that people who eat potatoes regularly have lower waist sizes. So, if you want to lose weight, eat lots of low-glycemic-index foods like white potatoes, apples, and pears.
Now, not all foods which provide you with energy are created equal. Some people say that carbohydrates are more effective as a source of fuel than proteins or fats. Moreover, which type of carbohydrate you consume is important because some can raise your insulin levels while others can lower them. This, in turn, can lead to weight gain or loss respectively. White potatoes are a good source of starch which is mostly made up of glucose. This is how they provide your body with fuel. Moreover, some people claim that eating white potatoes can even help you to control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream which leads to better blood glucose levels. So, if you’re looking for a food that can provide you with fuel but not too much, white potatoes are the way to go.
To conclude, potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and various complex carbs which provide your body with tons of fuel. Moreover, they have a relatively low glycemic index which means that they don’t cause your blood sugar levels to skyrocket. So, if you’re looking for foods that can help you lose weight, eat more potatoes, tomato, and pepper.