Nutritious Potatoes Worth Digging Into

By Anne Palumbo

The average American eats four to five potatoes a week. Surprised? Join the group. Even though this tasty spud is America’s most popular vegetable, it’s also dogged by enough myths to put some of us on the fence about consuming it.

Myth #1: Potatoes are starch bombs that cause weight gain. It’s true, potatoes have more starch than most vegetables. And, yes, starch, especially refined starch (think donuts, cookies, cakes), can zip through your body and leave you hungry in no time. But here’s the good news about a potato’s particular starch: It’s a special type of starch known as “resistant starch,” which means it can’t be fully digested or absorbed by the body, much like fiber. Instead, it reaches the large intestine where it becomes a source of nutrients for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Research has linked resistant starch to many health benefits, including better blood sugar control and improved health of the digestive system.

Myth #2: Potatoes have no nutritional value. Why do we think potatoes are dietary deserts? Is it because they’re pale? A welcome mat for caloric toppings? Too common? Who knows why, but this humble spud deserves its day in the nutritional sun. Drum roll, please: One medium baked potato with the skin has 4 grams of heart-healthy fiber and more than a fourth of our daily needs for three essential nutrients: vitamins C and B6 (both boost the immune system) and potassium (supports healthy blood pressure). Perhaps another drum roll is in order for potatoes being sodium-, fat-, and cholesterol-free!

Myth #3: Diabetics can’t eat potatoes. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes, according to the American Diabetics Association. Although most potatoes have a high glycemic index, the effect of potatoes on an individual’s blood glucose level is highly variable and depends on a number of factors, including the kind of potato, how it is prepared, the portion size, and what it is consumed with. Ideally, waxy potatoes (small new potatoes, fingerlings) that have been cooked (and cooled) and then consumed in moderation with a protein or healthy fat would elicit a lower glycemic response.

Myth #4: A potato’s skin has all the nutrients. The majority of the nutrients are found within the potato itself, not the skin. The potato’s skin contains about half the total dietary fiber.

Myth #5: A baked potato has 250 calories. Yes and no. Yes, a baked potato laden with butter or sour cream or cheese can have up to 250 calories (or more!). But, no, a plain baked potato has only 110-120 calories.

Helpful tips

Look for smooth, firm potatoes with no cuts, bruises or discoloration. Store potatoes in a cool, dark place such as a pantry, away from onions (proximity accelerates spoiling for both). Don’t refrigerate potatoes before cooking because it turns the starch to sugar and ruins the flavor. Potatoes with sprouts can still be used. Just remove the sprouts and cut away any green areas. Stored properly, most potatoes last about a month.

Healthier Scalloped Potatoes with Garlic and Thyme

Adapted from erinliveswhole.com Serves 6-8

2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3 medium)
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
pinch of cayenne (optional)
1¼ tablespoons flour
1¼ cups reduced-fat milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (regular, light, or mix of both)

Preheat oven to 400F and lightly oil a 7 by 11 inch baking dish.

Slice potatoes thin (about 1/8 inch thick) and layer half of the potatoes on the bottom of the dish, in overlapping layers.

Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft, stirring often. Add garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, cayenne, and flour, stirring until combined, about 1 minute.

Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com
Anne Palumbo is a lifestyle columnist, food guru, and seasoned cook, who has perfected the art of preparing nutritious, calorie-conscious dishes. She is hungry for your questions and comments about SmartBites, so be in touch with Anne at avpalumbo@aol.com.

Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a low simmer, stirring until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add in 1/3 cup of the cheddar cheese and stir to melt.

Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first half of the potatoes and spread out with a spoon. Layer the rest of the potatoes over the top and then pour the remaining cheese sauce on, spreading evenly with a spoon.

Top with the remaining grated cheese and bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.