Are potatoes healthier than bread?

In this short article, we will provide an answer to the question “Are potatoes healthier than bread?” and the information on the glycemic index of potatoes.

Are potatoes healthier than bread?

Yes, potatoes are significantly more nutritious than bread. Both are high in carbs; nevertheless, it is important to remember that not all carbohydrates are made equal. Having either of these things will cause your blood sugar levels to rise. In contrast, potatoes are a superior alternative for two reasons: they are gluten-free and they leave an alkaline residue, both of which are excellent for our overall health and wellbeing.

Why potatoes are healthier than bread?

There are two reasons for this. The first is that bread includes gluten, and as you may be aware, many people are now gluten intolerant. It is nevertheless recommended that you limit your bread consumption and avoid using it as a carbohydrate source every other day, even if you are not gluten intolerant.

Gluten in bread can induce gastrointestinal irritation, which in certain cases might result in an inflammatory response in those who are sensitive to gluten.

Make sure your HLA (human leukocyte antigen) and ANA levels are checked to be on the safe side, especially if you have children (antinuclear antibody). A person who tests positive for both of these conditions is 100 percent at risk of developing autoimmune disorders if they consume gluten.

On top of that, potatoes leave behind an alkaline residue that is beneficial to the environment in which our bodies function. The acidic residue left by bread, on the other hand, is not. All of the symptoms of an acidic environment in the body, including acne, polycystic ovarian syndrome, type 2 diabetes, digestive difficulties, obstinate weight, and excessive carbohydrate cravings are caused by an acidic environment in the body.

When consuming potatoes, one approach that works well is to cook them first and then eat them softly cold; this almost triples the amount of resistant starch in the potatoes.

In most cases, the beneficial bacteria that normally reside in the gastrointestinal system devour resistant starch (RS). To improve one’s health, one should increase the number of helpful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. By feeding on resistant starch, these bacteria proliferate in number, improving the overall health of the gastrointestinal system.

It is also always preferred to cook or fry the potatoes in ghee or butter rather than using cheap refined vegetable oils, which are more expensive. Now you have the option of having potatoes or bread; choose the first and serve them mildly cooled to maximize their flavor.

The glycemic index of potatoes

Potatoes have a different glycemic index (GI) than other foods, which is a measure of how a portion of food influences blood glucose levels. Consuming high-GI meals (such as white bread and table sugar) causes your blood sugar to rise and fall rapidly. Foods with a low glycemic index (such as steel-cut oats and brown rice) release carbohydrates into the bloodstream at a slower rate than other foods. It has been established that a high-glycemic diet increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

White potatoes, whether they are boiled, baked, or mashed, have a high glycemic index (GI). New potatoes have a glycemic index ranging from medium to low, but sweet potatoes have a glycemic index of zero. Experts at the University of Toronto have discovered that consuming russet and red-skinned potatoes cold (pre-cooked) or reheated can reduce their GIs to the low to moderate range. The starch structure of potatoes changes when they cool, resulting in a slower rate of glucose absorption into the bloodstream. Potatoes cooked in vinegar (like potato salad) have a lower glycemic index than potatoes cooked without vinegar.

What are healthy and unhealthy carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for both our bodies and our brains. Carbohydrates are classified into three categories: starch, fiber, and sugar. When someone wants to start losing weight, they typically cut carbohydrates out of their diet to get started. 

As previously said, however, not all carbohydrates are created equal. Irrespective of whether you’re attempting to lose weight or control your blood sugar levels, understanding the different types of carbs and how to portion them effectively is crucial.

In addition to helping you improve your health, doing so will also assist you in building a long-term strategy for reaching your health goals. Starch and fiber are examples of complex carbohydrates. Unlike starchy carbs, which are digested, fiber is not digested.

Consequently, high-fiber foods might help you feel full longer, which can help you avoid overeating. Complex carbs include entire grains that have not been refined, beans, fruits, and starchy and non-starchy vegetables, to name a few examples.

Conclusion

In this short article, we provided an answer to the question “Are potatoes healthier than bread?” and the information on the glycemic index of potatoes.

Reference

https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/potato-bread-vs-wheat-bread-6033.html
https://fridaymagazine.ae/life-culture/ask-the-experts/which-is-healthier-potatoes-or-brea-1.2301795
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/ask-a-health-expert/potatoes-much-healthier-than-you-might-think/article12297402/