Potato dishes best for weight loss - Find out what are they
Why you should eat chilled potatoes (photo: Freepik)
Potatoes are not just one of the most popular foods, but a real subject of scientific research. Although most of us are used to thinking of it as the main source of starch and calories, it has several unexpected properties that can have a positive impact on health.
Starch in potatoes: friend or foe
The main source of calories in potatoes is starch. In the small intestine, it is converted by enzymes into glucose, which serves as a source of energy for the body, particularly for the brain. But if you consume potatoes in large quantities, the excess calories can be stored as fat, causing you to become overweight or even obese.
Although raw potatoes are not considered a popular food, they have unexpected benefits. Their starch is so tightly bound in molecules that enzymes in the small intestine cannot break it down. Such starch is called resistant starch (RS).
Resistant starch transits to the large intestine, where it is metabolized by beneficial bacteria. The products of this process are short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, acetate, propionate), which
- reduce the risk of diabetes;
- prevent the development of certain types of cancer;
- have a positive effect on the microbiome.
Interestingly, resistant starch is partially not absorbed but excreted from the body. This helps to reduce the total number of calories consumed, which is a positive factor for those who are watching their weight.
Secrets of chilled potatoes
Most resistant starch is found in boiled or baked potatoes that have been refrigerated. If you refrigerate cooked potatoes for several hours, the amount of RS in them will increase significantly.
Potatoes are a product with a double potential. Whether raw or after cooling, they can have a positive impact on health and even help control weight.
Read also which product will make baked potatoes more crispy.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
