Potato Products Calories

A starchy root vegetable, potatoes are high in simple carbohydrates that digest quickly and are metabolized into sugar that the body can burn for energy. However, that does not mean that calories from potato products are always to be avoided in favor of foods with complex carbs. Potatoes have nutritional value due to containing fiber in the vegetable skin, more vitamin C than tomatoes, and more potassium than bananas. It goes without saying, though, that French fries saturated in oil are not the healthiest preparation method; the high calorie density, as indicated by the calorie chart below, reveals a high amount of fat. Other dishes like potato gratin and potato salad can also be high in fat from cheese, butter, and mayonnaise. To avoid excess calories, cook potatoes by boiling in water or baking with a light coating of olive oil. There are many varieties of potatoes and potato products, and the exact nutrition facts regarding carbohydrates, proteins, and micronutrients vary slightly. Red potato skins, for example, contain more antioxidants than that of white varieties. And sweet potatoes beat out the other varieties in terms of vitamin A and calcium, yet have fewer calories.