15. Green Potatoes
A lot is known about the health benefits of the humble potato, but there’s not too much known about the negatives of this cheap and versatile food. Depending on the way they are cooked, as well as how often you eat them, potatoes can cause weight gain, especially if they are deep fried. Frying foods raises the calorie count as they are soaked completely in oil, so it’s always much better to bake or boil.
If you eat a lot of potatoes, you should be aware that they can cause a spike in blood sugar, as they are a high glycaemic food. If you suffer from hyperglycemia or have diabetes, it’s best to go for a healthier option, like the sweet potato, which ranks lower on the glycaemic index and is better for your body overall.
There’s another thing to watch out for if you’re a potato fan – the colour of your starchy snack. It’s never a good idea to consume green potatoes, as when they’re this shade, it means they contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid poison found in species of the nightshade family. One report by Alexander Pavlista, a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, demonstrates why green potatoes shouldn’t ever be sold, as consuming just 16 ounces can make you sick – which equates to one large baked potato! The bottom line is, if you see a green spud in your pack, don’t eat it, toss it away – but if you want to be super-healthy, why not try switching from regular baked potatoes to the sweet version instead?
