In recent years, the number of people with diabetes has increased exorbitantly in our country. This is due to factors such as poor diet and sedentary lifestyle; however, it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet, do some exercise, and change our lifestyle. Moreover, at kiwilimón, we care a lot about everyone's health, which is why we created the section called Te Cuida, which includes a wide variety of recipes, tips, and challenges to keep you healthy and strong.

It is important to note that the main factor behind type 2 diabetes and other diseases is poor diet, as Mexicans have a wide variety of snacks and street foods at their fingertips. Although this is not about demonizing Mexican food, on the contrary, it is all about balance, portions, and a bit of exercise.

To eat healthier, you can start by including more vegetables in your diet. For example, instead of frying bean tlacoyos, you can heat them on a griddle and add a large portion of nopal salad. However, not all vegetables can be consumed in large quantities, as is the case with potatoes.

Potatoes are a tuber that originated in Peru and Bolivia, in the Andes mountain range, around 8,000 years ago. During colonization, this vegetable was brought to Europe, later reaching all corners of the world. There is no denying that potatoes are delicious in all their forms: mashed, fried, roasted, in stews, and more, but the way you cook them could affect your health, let us tell you what scientists say!

You can also read: The healthiest foods for diabetics 

Is eating potatoes a bad idea?
Potatoes are delicious and creamy; however, the way you cook them could increase your risk of developing diabetes, according to information published by experts at Edith Cowan University, in Australia.

The experts explain that when studies analyze the impact of consuming vegetables, the results are always inconclusive. They point out that this could be due to the inclusion of potatoes, as the research indicates that “vegetables in general do reduce the risk of developing diabetes, except for potatoes”.

The new study also indicated that “participants who consumed more vegetables, but not potatoes, were 21% less likely to develop diabetes compared to those who did not consume a significant amount of vegetables as part of their diet.” Additionally, the team of experts explained that “there were no additional benefits for those who consumed more than 150 to 250 grams of vegetables per day.”

You can also read: Can diabetics eat fruit? 

How you cook potatoes does matter
The research indicates that depending on how you cook them, potatoes could have a null effect or increase the chances of developing diabetes. Let us explain the best way to prepare them!

Boiled potatoes do not reduce or increase the risk of developing diabetes, according to Australian researchers, so it's fine to consume a portion of boiled potatoes from time to time. Meanwhile, in the case of French fries, mashed potatoes, and fried potatoes, these types of preparations do increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. In contrast, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables are the ones that most reduce the risk.

So now you know, it’s not about banning certain foods at home, but about maintaining a balanced diet and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, while we should reduce portions of junk food and sugary drinks. Remember, at kiwilimón we created the Te Cuida section to help you adopt a healthy diet, don’t miss it!