Are Potatoes Good or Bad for You? A Balanced Look

Potatoes are among the most widely eaten and appreciated foods in kitchens across the world. Affordable, versatile, and endlessly adaptable, they appear in countless traditional recipes and can be boiled, baked, mashed, stewed, or roasted for everything from weeknight family dinners to more elaborate dishes.

Although potatoes are sometimes viewed with suspicion in certain diets, the truth is more balanced. They can be part of a healthy way of eating when enjoyed in sensible portions and prepared with suitable methods. As with most foods, the issue is usually not the ingredient itself, but the quantity, the frequency, and the way it is cooked. Here is a fair look at both sides.