Potatoes are probably the most consumed vegetable throughout the world. The high nutrient composition makes potatoes among the best vegetables for glowing skin. However, there are several health disadvantages of potatoes.
Although potato provides numerous health benefits it is behind several diseases. That’s why it’s a wise idea to reduce the consumption of potatoes if you are suffering from any of these disorders.
Let’s check why potato is harmful to your health.
Digestive Problems
Potatoes are hard to digest, and they can harm your healthy digestive system by causing gas, bloating, and constipation. It can promote excess gas because of the high starch presence.
Also, potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber. A 100-gram serving of baked potatoes provides 2.3 grams of dietary fiber (1). Studies have shown that high-fiber foods promote gas production in healthy adults (2).
On the other hand, too much intake of fiber causes constipation or bowel problems. That’s why a surplus intake of potatoes can negatively affect your daily poop schedule.
Weight Gain
Obesity or overweight has become a growing problem throughout the world. However, if you are looking for low-carb vegetables for weight loss, carb-dense potatoes do not fit your criteria.
As potatoes are packed with carbs they can trigger weight gain. Moreover, studies have shown that regular consumption of potatoes is associated with obesity problems (3).
Association With Diabetes
A surplus intake of potatoes is associated with type 2 diabetes. If you are a regular eater of more than two potatoes per day you may be at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Studies have shown that long-term consumption of a large number of potatoes may increase the risk of diabetes (4). The risk is higher if you consume more than two pieces of potato daily.
Another study has proven the evidence of french fries’ connection with diabetes risk (5). A healthier practice is to substitute boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes with whole grains or other healthier alternatives like vegetables or fruits to potentially lower type 2 diabetes risk.
