Potatoes is most often used for Other. The Examine Database covers Metabolic Health, General Cardiovascular Health, and 1 other condition.

Potatoes

Written by:

Stephan Guyenet

Fact-checked

by:

Morgan Pfiffner

•Last Updated: August 28, 2025

Potatoes are starchy tubers that contain a modest amount of complete protein and a broad array of vitamins and minerals. When eaten boiled or baked without calorie-dense toppings, they are among the most filling foods per calorie, but when fried they are less filling and are associated with an elevated risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in observational studies.

50 references on this page

429 participants in 5 trials

Examine Evidence Grades

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:

Last Updated:August 28, 2025

50 references on this page

429 participants in 5 trials

Examine Evidence Grades

Overview

Which nutrients and other compounds are in potatoes?

What are the main benefits of potatoes?

What are the main drawbacks of potatoes?

How does preparation method impact the healthfulness of potatoes?

Examine Database: Potatoes

The conditions below have no primary outcomes

General Cardiovascular Health

5 primary outcomes

D

9 Studies

High Blood Pressure

1 primary outcome

1 Study

Metabolic Health

0 outcomes

-

3 Studies

General Cardiovascular Health

High Blood Pressure

The conditions below have no primary outcomes

Metabolic Health

Research FeedRead all studies

Potatoes and type 2 diabetes risk: Don’t blame the food, blame the preparation

In this meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies, only fried potato intake was associated with type 2 diabetes risk.

Does eating more potatoes reduce the risk of death?

Comparing the effects of nonfried potatoes vs. refined grains on cardiometabolic health

When it comes to potatoes, does more frying mean less dying?

Are french fries inherently fattening?

Frequently asked questions

Are potatoes a vegetable?

Are white potatoes less healthy than sweet potatoes?

Do all potatoes have a high glycemic index?

Are potatoes harmful because they’re nightshades?

How should potatoes be stored?

References

Examine Database References

Blood Pressure - Michael S Stone, Berdine R Martin, Connie M WeaverShort-Term RCT of Increased Dietary Potassium from Potato or Potassium Gluconate: Effect on Blood Pressure, Microcirculation, and Potassium and Sodium Retention in Pre-Hypertensive-to-Hypertensive AdultsNutrients.(2021 May 11)
Triglycerides - Eunice Mah, Jacqueline A Schulz, Valerie N Kaden, Andrea L Lawless, Jose Rotor, Libertie B Mantilla, DeAnn J LiskaCashew consumption reduces total and LDL cholesterol: a randomized, crossover, controlled-feeding trialAm J Clin Nutr.(2017 May)
Triglycerides - E A Johnston, K S Petersen, P M Kris-EthertonDaily intake of non-fried potato does not affect markers of glycaemia and is associated with better diet quality compared with refined grains: a randomised, crossover study in healthy adultsBr J Nutr.(2020 May 14)
Glycemic Control - Daniel L Smith, Rebecca L Hanson, Stephanie L Dickinson, Xiwei Chen, Amy M Goss, John B Cleek, W Timothy Garvey, David B AllisonFrench-fried potatoes consumption and energy balance: a randomized controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr.(2022 Feb 18)
Weight - Siew Ling Tey, Rachel Brown, Andrew Gray, Alexandra Chisholm, Conor DelahuntyNuts improve diet quality compared to other energy-dense snacks while maintaining body weightJ Nutr Metab.(2011)