Potatoes' dark side: How your favourite meal can harm health

It is hard to imagine cuisine without potatoes. Many dishes are based on them, but above all, they are a favoured addition to dinner. However, nutritionists caution against a specific combination that is particularly detrimental.

There are nearly 4,000 varieties of the popular potato known around the world. We recognise them by various names. Potatoes, spuds, or tubers are most often eaten cooked. Cooked potatoes are low in calories and offer numerous health benefits. They contain large amounts of vitamin C, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iodine, copper, manganese, vitamin A, B vitamins, folate, and beta-carotene. Additionally, they are rich in fibre, which aids digestion and bowel movement, contributing to a feeling of fullness.

Potatoes have many advantages, but some combinations are decidedly ill-advised. Given their high starch content, potatoes combined with animal protein can provoke an adverse reaction. This triggers an accelerated fermentation process in the stomach. What does this mean? It causes discomfort, such as bloating, heaviness, and digestive issues. Therefore, avoiding serving potatoes with fatty meats and rich sauces is wise. For instance, fried meat combined with potatoes, such as various cutlets, can slow the digestive process.

What are the symptoms? Primarily stomach pains and a feeling of heaviness. It is also advisable not to serve potatoes with rich additions like cracklings and butter, as they become highly caloric and hard to digest. After such a meal, you may experience gastric problems, heartburn, and elevated blood sugar levels.

When potatoes are eaten with fat, the pancreas produces more insulin, increasing blood sugar levels. Sustained high blood sugar levels can result in serious complications, including damage to nerves and blood vessels. The most beneficial potatoes are those cooked in their skins, as they retain the most vitamins, followed by those steamed and boiled in hot water immediately after peeling.