A nutritionist explains how to eat potatoes correctly

The opinion that potatoes can cause you to gain extra pounds is associated with harmful methods of preparing them, said nutritionist Tatyana Meshcheryakova.

In a conversation with LIFE.ru, the specialist explained that a properly prepared product contains about 80 kcal per 100 grams, which is not much. Potatoes should be boiled or baked without oil. In this form, you can eat it two to three times a week in portions of no more than 200 grams.

The exception is a special dietary table for people with diabetes – in this case, potatoes are limited or excluded completely, the nutritionist explained.

The specialist also noted that potato starch does not actually harm the body. On the contrary, it is a substrate for intestinal microflora and is responsible for the production of a number of vitamins, protects against intestinal infections, promotes the absorption of minerals and the activation of enzymes in the small and large intestines.

At the same time, the nutritionist advised not to cook the product at high temperatures, since then acrylamide, a toxic component that disrupts the functioning of the liver and kidneys and has carcinogenic properties, will be released from potatoes. The doctor recommended abandoning the traditional method of preparing puree. According to her, it is better to cook the dish not with milk, but with water with the addition of butter. This is due to the fact that milk is difficult to combine with other products and can contribute to increased gas formation, intestinal discomfort and problems with stool.

And finally, there is no need to store potatoes for a long period, the doctor emphasized. The shelf life of this product without loss of beneficial properties is up to six months. If you eat potatoes harvested in the fall later, they can be harmful to your health.