Many British households indulge on Christmas Day, but health experts warn that festive favourites can carry risks if they’re poorly prepared. Potatoes themselves are nutritious, yet their benefits depend heavily on how they’re cooked, says registered nutritionist Chloe Longnose.
“Potatoes are naturally low in fat and rich in fibre, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B6,” he explains. “When eaten with the skin on, they’re one of the most filling carbohydrate sources because of their high water and fibre content for relatively few calories.” Problems arise, Hobson notes, not from the potato, but from the fats and extras added during cooking.
A single potato provides around 17mg of phosphorus and more potassium than a banana, which helps regulate blood pressure. According to the NHS, starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes should make up about a third of daily food intake. Healthier methods include boiling, baking, roasting or air-frying with small amounts of oil and serving them alongside vegetables and protein for balance.
Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert agrees that preparation is crucial. She advises using unsaturated fats like olive oil or cold-pressed rapeseed oil instead of butter or goose fat, which are higher in saturated fat. Parboiling or air-frying creates crisp potatoes without excess oil, helping protect heart health and keep cholesterol levels under control during the festive season.
