Pointless potatoes?

Are potatoes just empty calories? Are we better eating sweet potato, squash etc instead?

I enjoy the taste of potatoe. Empty calories they may be, but they taste good. We shouldn't keep denying ourselves things every time someone brings out a new report on what is bad for you.

On a side note, I know use butter instead of a vegetable spread. It tastes so much better. If I switched out all my bad food and drink, I'd probably only last an extra 4-5 years anyway. I really couldn't care less. I exercise regulary, and I cycle to work. I won't spend my time worrying about everything.

Potatoes can be good for you. While sweet potatoes have different nutrients and are low GI so perhaps better for those on a diet, potatoes do contain nutrients so aren't empty calories. They have high levels of vitamin C (which is good for the immune system) and potassium. Also, they contain chemicals called kukoamines which help to lower blood pressure, and the skins are rich in phytonutrients such as flavonoids which can help to prevent heart disease.

Hear hear Craig. May as well enjoy things while you can. I eat alternatives to potatoes like rice or pasta, even whole grain pasta (!!) because I enjoy them and it's nice to have variation the health bonuses are just that  a bonus.

That's all the convincing I need, oh potatoes how I love you

That's a lot of potato lovin' there Cid! I think I prefer sweet potatoes to regular potatoes now - much tastier except for roasties.