Mashed, baked, sweet or boiled, everyone has a preference to how they enjoy their potato. The options are endless, and the condiments are overwhelmingly enticing. But how healthy are these so-called vegetables?

*The pesticides on potato skins are dangerous: FALSE!*

For those students who prefer a simple potato the old-fashion way, potatoes are a great source of vitamin C and, if the skin is left on, B vitamins. Although many believe the pesticides present within everyday agriculture make potatoes seem hazardous, it is unnecessary to worry, said William E. Artz, associate professor of food processing.

“Pesticides are generally applied to the green plant portion and not injected underground, where the tubers are,” Artz said.

When choosing a potato at the grocery store, Faye Dong, professor of food science and human nutrition, recommends checking the color.

“The most important thing is to select potatoes that do not have a green color on them and have not sprouted. The green color indicates that there is solanine present, a naturally occurring toxicant,” she said.

While many may not be concerned with toxins, there are over a million cases of food poisoning every year that are agriculture-related, said Artz, so be careful when selecting farm-grown foods.

*Potatoes are a healthy source of nutrients: SOMETIMES*

Considered a starch, potatoes are actually a great source of nutrition. Potatoes contain a considerable amount of protein, which makes them a perfect choice when planning your meal, said Artz. However french fries are the largest single source of vitamin C for children in the U.S., according to Artz, which means there is an excessive amount of oil and fat in their diet.

Yes, potatoes are a delicious choice, especially when they come in the french-fried version, which many students would rather choose over the healthier option.

“Restaurants and grills always have french fries as an option, so it’s easy to just eat them since they are sitting on my plate, even if I may not have a taste for them,” said Irem Karacal, freshman in LAS.

Although French fries are easily accessible and cheap, there are options for students on campus to make them a tad healthier.

*Sweet potatoes are healthier than white potatoes: TRUE!*

Many students are often unaware that a variety of places on campus offer the option of substituting white potatoes for sweet potatoes, which contain a great deal of provitamin A, which the body can turn into vitamin A.

“But, if they are fried, they will contain substantial amounts of fat, just like regular potato French fries,” Artz said.

Therefore, it is necessary to make sure they are baked.

*Potatoes cooked at home are more nutritious than at a restaurant: FALSE!*

Potatoes will contain the same amount of nutrients no matter where cooked, and restaurants are more likely to check for food poisonings than those of you who may shop at a local supermarket.

“The biggest direct risk from food is food poisoning due to foodborne microbial pathogens. There are several million cases of food poisoning the USA every year,” Artz said.

So when choosing a vegetable, spending an extra dollar at a restaurant could be extremely beneficial.

It is safe to say any food eaten in moderation is acceptable, and the likelihood of getting ill is slim. So continue eating the delicious curly fries at Joe’s Brewery, or choose a perfectly white potato for a home-cooked meal at the local supermarket — just remember moderation is key to any healthy Illini diet.

_Christen is a freshman in Media_