Cold potatoes: The gut health powerhouse you didn't know about

Boiled potatoes served warm are the most popular side dish for lunch. However, dietitian Maz Packham, writing for the British version of "Vogue" magazine, argues that they are also beneficial when eaten cold. She explains exactly why.

The issue with warm and cold potatoes isn't complicated. It's about starch; we all know these vegetables contain it. However, the starch in warm and cold potatoes affects our bodies differently. When potatoes are cooked, the starch becomes active, turning into glucose, which is then absorbed by our body. But when potatoes are cooked and cooled, the starch is converted into so-called resistant starch, which is particularly beneficial for our intestines.

When resistant starch reaches the large intestine, it begins to ferment, creating excellent conditions for the growth of good bacteria. It acts as a prebiotic, providing food for the existing bacteria. “Prebiotic foods are important to nourish and support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria,” notes Maz Packham.

When these beneficial bacteria are active in the gut, abdominal issues like bloating and constipation can be significantly less troublesome. If these problems bother you, remember to include cold potatoes in your meals. Moreover, resistant starch improves gut function and may reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Now is the perfect time to introduce cold potatoes into your diet. Young potatoes in this form are delicious and suitable for many salads. Combine them with pickles and dill and drizzle with olive oil. If you're looking for more ideas, here's one from the British "Vogue" expert:

"Combining cold potatoes with kimchi makes a gut-friendly lunch option, as the prebiotic in the potatoes can act as food for the probiotic bacteria found in the kimchi," says the dietician.

It's quite an original combination. What do you think about cold potatoes with kimchi?