Potatoes
From the YapSpan Longevity Wiki · Updated 2026-10-01
Potatoes are the starchy underground tubers of the potato plant, one of the most widely eaten staple foods in the world. They are eaten boiled, baked, mashed, roasted or fried as chips and French fries. Potatoes supply carbohydrate, potassium and vitamin C, but diet studies usually count them separately from other vegetables because of their high starch content.
In a meta-analysis (a study that pools the results of earlier studies), each extra daily serving of 150 g of potatoes showed no clear association with all-cause mortality (death from any cause): the estimate was 12% lower, but the plausible range ran from 31% lower to 12% higher [1]. The evidence is observational, and other reviews also found no significant link.
- Each extra 150 g a day of potatoes went with a relative risk (the risk in one group relative to another) of 0.88 for all-cause mortality, a result that was not statistically significant [1].
- Each extra 150 g a day of French fries was linked to 66% higher risk of type 2 diabetes and 37% higher risk of high blood pressure [1].
- A separate meta-analysis also found no significant link between potato consumption and all-cause mortality [2].
- In two large US cohorts, potatoes were not linked to total or cause-specific mortality [3].
Related deep dives and quizzes
- Deep dive: The 8 things that matter most on your plate
- Deep dive: The 9 factors that decide your type 2 diabetes risk
- Quiz: Diet quiz
- Charts: What Matters charts
- Quizzes: All quizzes
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YapSpan estimates are for reflection and entertainment only. They are not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prediction of any individual outcome. Check with a doctor before making any medical decision.