Potato Vs. Arbi: Which one is better for weight loss?

There are a lot of things one can do to lose weight and eating less and moving more are two important steps to achieve that. A well-balanced diet is necessary for both slimming down and maintaining a healthy weight. Food items full of nutrients, packed with protein and fiber are always an excellent choice for weight watchers. We all make healthy food choices when trying to come to good shape, but it is equally important to make smart food choices. Arbi and potatoes both are root vegetables and are full of fibers but they both have earned a bad name for being bad for weight watchers. We compared both the vegetables to find out if they can be made a part of your weight loss diet.

Both arbi and potatoes contain lot of carbs and fiber.

As per reports, 132 grams of cooked arbi contains fewer than one gram each of protein and fat. It is packed with fiber, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C and E.

173 grams of baked potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, and folate. The nutritional content of potatoes depends on its variety and the way they are prepared.

Arbi root contains two types of carbohydrates - fiber and resistant starch, both are considered good for maintaining blood sugar level in the body. These two types of carbohydrates make it excellent for a person suffering from diabetes.

Potatoes also contain resistant starch. The starch found in potatoes has numerous health benefits including reducing insulin resistance, which in turn, controls blood sugar level.

Arbi may also prevent you from the risk of developing cardiac disease. As per a study, people who eat more fiber tend to have a lower rate of heart disease. Arbi contains 6 grams of fiber per 132 grams, which is more than twice the amount of fiber present in one serving of potatoes.

Due to high fiber content, the starchy root vegetable may be beneficial for your gut health. When the gut bacteria ferment on the fiber of arbi, they create fatty acids that nourish the cells that line the intestines and keep them healthy.

Even potatoes are beneficial for gut bacteria. It also contains resistant starch which is converted into short-chain fatty acid butyrate, which is preferred by gut bacteria.

Both arbi and potatoes are naturally gluten-free and can be consumed when you are following a gluten-free diet.

Arbi and potatoes both are incredibly filling and can keep your hunger pangs at bay for a long period of time.

Dr. Priyanka Rohtagi, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Apollo Hospitals shared, "Both the vegetables contain equal amounts of carbs. They both are high in carbohydrates so you don't get any advantage in terms of weight loss." However, she added that if you want to eat it, try to eat it in moderation. While they both are mostly avoided for weight loss, arbi is slightly better for health as compared potatoes.