Potato FAQ Archives - Page 3 of 3

Eating potatoes before bedtime may be a healthy choice for many people. The carbohydrate creates a response in the body known as insulin, which affects the movement of the amino acid tryptophan, which is used in the creation of serotonin, a hormone that makes us feel good. When we are high in serotonin, we can say no to sugary snacks and curb our impulsivity. For more information on this natural hormone, check out the Doing the Steps section in the Resource Center. Reduces blood sugar If you have diabetes, a new study suggests eating a smaller amount of potatoes at night may help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level. A balanced plate of vegetables, meat, and low or moderate-glycemic-index starches has shown to reduce overnight blood sugar. In this study, people with type 2 diabetes consumed potatoes after dinner and reported lower levels the next morning. Generally, people with type 2 diabetes should avoid eating potatoes after dinner. To reduce the risk of diabetes, eat potatoes as part of a balanced meal. In addition to the carbohydrates and starch, potatoes can be enjoyed in all forms. However, it is not recommended to consume potatoes alone at night, unless you are under the supervision of a healthcare provider. A blood glucose level below 180 is normal for most people. Potatoes are a source of solanine, a type of anti-nutrient that inhibits the absorption of nutrients from foods. Solanine may cause diarrhea, hallucinations, and nausea. Green-skinned potatoes contain higher levels of solanine. In addition, eating potatoes raw can lead to bloating and severe gas. Lowers glycaemic load There is a complex relationship between dietary factors and nocturnal glycaemic responses in Type 2 diabetes, and potato consumption can play a significant role in controlling blood glucose levels. One study examined the impact of potatoes on nocturnal blood glucose response in 24 type 2 diabetics. In this study, participants consumed three different types of potatoes and other carbohydrates during the day, including boiled, roasted, or cooled potatoes. In addition, participants wore glucose monitors overnight and provided blood samples before and after eating a standard portion of carbohydrate. The researchers used fasted glucose, insulin, and triglyceride measurements. They then gave participants with Type 2 diabetes an evening meal of either boiled or roasted potato. Control meals were basmati rice. The results were significant at each time point. Overall, eating potatoes at night decreased blood glucose levels at a lower rate than breakfast, and was associated with reduced insulin levels. Stabilizes blood sugar Eating potatoes at night can increase your blood sugar levels but not too much. Consuming a portion of potato at least four hours before bedtime may help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Your body takes time to process starch and then metabolize it into energy. Depending on your metabolism, you may need to experiment with eating potato at different times of the day and night. Here's how to choose the best time to eat potatoes at night. When choosing a potato for dinner, it's important to keep a balanced plate of vegetables, protein and moderate starch. Potatoes, on the other hand, have a high glycemic index (GI). Increases fiber You might wonder why eating potatoes at night is beneficial. It turns out that potatoes don't raise blood sugar very much, but this is because the dietary fiber in potatoes slows down the digestion of sugar. The downside to this, however, is that you'll end up with a higher blood sugar level if you eat too many potatoes. In this case, you should limit your potato intake or eat them in the morning. Not only do potatoes taste good, but they have many health benefits as well. In particular, sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, which supports a healthy vision. The resistant starch in potatoes feeds good bacteria in the digestive tract. Certified nutritionist Paul Claybrook notes that potatoes are naturally low in cholesterol and fat, as well as gluten. In addition, they are a rich source of antioxidants, which neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Lowers risk of heart disease A recent study has found a link between high blood pressure and the consumption of potato chips. The findings showed that people who ate potatoes before bedtime were 54 percent less likely to die of heart disease. This was based on data from 4,642 diabetics in the United States. Aston University senior teaching fellow Dr. Duane Mellor says the timing of a meal is not as important as how the potatoes are cooked and what you eat with them. The study also found that potato consumption decreased the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the association was not significant among men. The study's participants were grouped according to their BMI and dietary intake. In order to make a stronger comparison, the researchers analyzed the associations between potato consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in men and women. The results were similar regardless of whether the participants were obese or not, although the effects were stronger in women. Helps with weight loss It's not clear how much fiber potatoes have, but they do contain fiber and can help with weight loss. They are also good for you, as long as you eat the skin. However, if you're suffering from a certain disease, you should stay away from potatoes. If you're on a budget, you can opt for a frozen potato instead. But be sure to read all the label instructions and make sure the potatoes aren't fried! Eating boiled potatoes at night isn't as healthy as eating them warm. Boiling potatoes loses most of the nutrients. Instead, steam or bake them. Both methods will reduce the amount of nutrients. And since potatoes have a high potassium content, they won't make you retain water, which is important for losing weight. Furthermore, potatoes have been shown to shrink fat cells. That's a great way to help weight loss at night!