Do you have dinner potatoes and you wondered if you can safely heat? Or, on the contrary, you always throw them out and do you think they are already worthless? It’s time to change it! Heated potatoes hide more than you think – and they don’t have to be unhealthy at all. Find out what is really happening to your body when you use them and how to heat them best to not lose their nutritional value.

Are heated potatoes healthy?

Although myths have spread over the years that heated potatoes are harmful or worthless, the truth is a bit more complicated. In potatoes that are chilled and frozen, there is an interesting chemical change – the part of the starch they contain is turned into so -called. Resistant starch. It is a type of fiber that is not digested in the small intestine, but has a beneficial effect on the intestinal bacterial flora and blood sugar levels. Importantly, the beneficial resistant starch remains in the potatoes even after it heats up – that is, by eating potatoes from the previous day, you not only do not harm, but you can even benefit.

However, it should be said openly that heated potatoes are healthy if stored in the refrigerator. Clostridium botulinum may develop on boiled potatoes that lie too long at room temperature. It may be used by botulism or botulinum toxin. Symptoms include swallowing, nausea and vomiting, dropped eyelids, double vision and muscle paralysis. So if you forget to store the cooked potatoes in the refrigerator, throw them away the next day.

What happens to the body when we eat heated potatoes?

By eating heated potatoes, the body does not receive a rapid dose of glucose as after eating hot, freshly cooked tubers. After their consumption, blood sugar rises slower, which is good news for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

After such a meal, it takes a feeling of satiety longer, promoting appetite control. This is especially important for people who guard their weight and often avoid potatoes because they consider them empty calories. They are a rich source of fiber, vitamin C and magnesium and potassium. When we eat heated potatoes, the intestines receive support in the form of prebiotics, ie food for good bacteria. This means that such residues from the previous day can become part of a healthy diet, Unless they are flooded with fat and served with heavy ingredients.

How to heat potatoes from the previous day?

The method of heating potatoes is important not only for taste but also for maintaining nutritional value. Here are some of the best methods:

  • In a pan (without fat or with minimal amount of fat): Sliced ​​potatoes can be fry in a dry pan or a little olive oil. This will create crispy “toasted potatoes” that are ideal for salads or as a side dish to eggs.
  • In the oven: Potatoes quite or sliced ​​can be heated in an oven heated to approximately 180 ° C for 10-15 minutes. This ensures that they maintain a solid structure and gently turn brown.
  • In a microwave oven: In the microwave: This method is the fastest – but leave the potatoes covered (eg with a glass cap or plate) to avoid drying. The heating time depends on the amount – usually 2-4 minutes for medium performance.
  • In a steam pot or sieve over boiling water: It is a gentle way in which potatoes do not dry. Ideal if you plan to prepare puree.

What should you not eat on an empty stomach? Avoid these meals in the morning, otherwise you will have problems. There are at least 8 products on the list