Thread by @globeandmail

White potatoes are often regarded as the "white bread" of vegetables: a starchy food with little nutritional value.

But the truth is that potatoes are healthy.

Of course, that’s assuming they're not laden with butter and cream or deep-fried in oil.
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One medium sized baked Russet potato – with the skin – has 168 calories, no fat, 37 grams of carbohydrate and four grams of fibre.

Other starchy foods like brown rice or pasta have about the same grams of carbs per cup.
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But, unlike white bread, the starch in potatoes hasn't been refined to deplete nutrients.
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Potatoes also deliver niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C and magnesium. They're a great source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
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It’s worth noting that sweet potatoes and purple potatoes offer even more nutrition.
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Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant thought to guard against certain cancers.

Purple potatoes are loaded with anthocyanins, which studies suggest may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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When cooking potatoes, it’s best to leave the skin – it contains fibre and nutrients, and helps retain the vitamin C.
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