Calorie Content Of Potatoes, Its Useful And Nutritional Properties

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Calorie content of potatoes

In Russia, potatoes are well-deservedly respected. Both children and adults love a variety of delicious dishes made from this vegetable. The calorie content of potatoes is quite high. Therefore, those who monitor their weight are forced to limit its consumption. The number of calories in a potato per 100 grams depends on the type of vegetable, the season and the method of cooking. In this article we will try to figure out what the true calorie content of potatoes and dishes from it is. Is there a need to completely abandon potatoes in order to lose weight.

The composition and calorie content of potatoes

Potatoes are a source of complex carbohydrates. It is due to their high concentration of calories in potatoes more than in other vegetables. Carrots and beets come closest to potatoes in terms of energy value. However, the calorie content of potatoes is at least twice as high as that of other vegetables. Every 100 grams of potatoes contains about 18 grams of complex carbohydrates, mainly starch. The calorie content of potatoes is formed mainly at their expense. Proteins in potatoes are less than 2%, and fat is not more than 0.5%. There are about 77 calories in 100 grams of raw potatoes.

Of course, in Russia it is not customary to consume this vegetable raw. Cooking increases the calorie content of potatoes.

Calorie content of boiled potatoes

The simplest and most dietary way to cook potatoes is to boil them. The calorie content of peeled boiled potatoes is about 86 kilocalories per 100 grams.

The method of boiling potatoes in their skins - "in their uniform" is widely used. In this case, the calorie content of boiled potatoes is 78 kilocalories per 100 grams. Of course, there is no real difference in energy value between boiled potatoes and those without the skin. The calories in jacket potatoes will be the same, but the weight of the dish due to the inedible part will be slightly more. Still, nutritionists advise boiling potatoes in their skins. This helps to preserve more of the beneficial properties of the vegetable. After all, potatoes are considered the most affordable source of antioxidants, potassium, phosphorus and ascorbic acid.

The calorie content of boiled potatoes is less than that of many other foods. For example, bread, buckwheat porridge, pasta, bananas surpass potatoes in calories. However, in order not to harm the figure, boiled potatoes should be eaten without oil, sour cream or mayonnaise. It's best not to use any sauces at all. It is the fat from these additives that increases the calorie content of potato dishes.

Calorie content of mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes have many recipes. This dish can be low in calories if cooked in water or skim milk. The calorie content of mashed potatoes in this case will be 86 kilocalories per 100 grams. But if the milk is fatty and butter is used in the preparation of the dish, then the mashed potatoes will be very rich in calories. The calorie content of mashed potatoes according to this recipe is at least 120 kilocalories per 100 grams.

Mashed potatoes are included in the menu in childcare facilities, in hospitals and sanatoriums. This dish is easy to digest and is considered one of the most delicious and simple side dishes. Many people prefer puree, not pasta, porridge, rice. The calorie content of mashed potatoes is not so high as to give up. Try to add as little fat as possible when you are mashing. Then it will turn out to be very dietary. There will not be very many calories in such a potato. The taste of puree on water can be improved with a variety of spices.

Calorie content of fried potatoes

Any oil is a source of excess calories. 100 grams of butter contains 748 kilocalories. The energy value of vegetable oil, even olive oil, is even higher than butter (about 900 kilocalories).

The calorie content of fried potatoes is three times higher than that of boiled ones. It is about 205 kilocalories per 100 grams. You can also deep-fry potatoes. Many are fond of such potatoes. But, unfortunately, every 100 grams of such a dish contains 275 calories.

The calorie content of fried potatoes from fast food restaurants is even higher - 320 kilocalories. If you dream of losing weight, you will have to give up fried potatoes, deep-fried potatoes and McDonald's potatoes.

Calories in different varieties of potatoes

Different varieties of potatoes contain different amounts of starch, and therefore calories. Of the traditional potato varieties, the "Dobro" variety is the richest in carbohydrates, the "Volzhanin" and "Polet" varieties contain less of them. Accordingly, the "Dobro" variety has the highest calorie content of potatoes.

Calories in potatoes accumulate gradually during the summer. Starch accumulates in large quantities by the fall. Because of this, the calorie content of young potatoes is lower. At the beginning and middle of summer, you can eat potatoes without fear of gaining weight. There are only 12 grams of carbohydrates in 100 grams of such potatoes. The calorie content of young potatoes is about 60 kilocalories.

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