16/11/2025
Potatoes often get a bad rap — blamed for weight gain, blood sugar spikes, or being “just empty carbs.” But the truth is, potatoes are a nutrient-rich, affordable, and versatile whole food that can absolutely be part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Whether you’re looking for simple, satisfying meals or ways to add more nutrients to your day, potatoes are a practical and delicious option. In fact, 75g or a medium potato counts as one serve of vegetables, helping you meet your daily intake recommendations — something most Australians struggle with. Research shows that more than 90% of Australians do not meet the recommended daily serves of vegetables, making simple additions like a potato an easy way to boost intake.
POTATOES: NUTRITION POWERHOUSE IN DISGUISE
A medium potato (about 150g) offers:
Carbohydrates: 26–30g for energy
Protein: 3g, which complements other protein foods
Fibre: 3–4g (especially with skin on), supporting gut health and satiety
Vitamin C: Around 45% of your daily requirement
Potassium: Around 620mg, which supports blood pressure, muscle, and nerve function
B vitamins: Including B6, important for energy metabolism
Phytonutrients and antioxidants: Mostly in the skin and coloured varieties, contributing to overall health
Gut health benefits: The fibre in potatoes feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a healthy microbiome. Additionally, cooling cooked potatoes increases resistant starch, a type of prebiotic fibre that is slowly digested and helps promote gut health. This can improve bowel regularity, support immunity, and even help regulate blood sugar.
Fun fact: Potatoes have more potassium per gram than a banana — and they’re a cost-effective way to boost vegetable intake.
Full blog on the mighty potato 🥔 can be found in the link to my blog in the bio and here ➡️
https://feedyourfuturedietetics.com/nutrition/why-potatoes-deserve-a-comeback-busting-the-myths-around-this-underrated-nutrient-hero/