Sweet potatoes vs. potatoes: An often-contested nutritional debate driven by misinformation, baseless “superfood” claims, and carb phobia. Here’s an analysis of their relative merits — and why both deserve their place in your diet.

Some nutrition enthusiasts decided a few years back to explore whether white or sweet potatoes were more nutritious.

One group compared the glycemic index and load of sweet potatoes vs. potatoes and suggested that white potatoes tend to have higher index levels, suggesting they should be avoided as much as possible.

Another group has suggested that sweet potatoes are an exemplary source of vitamin A compared with white potatoes, making them more superior in this respect than their competitors.

Carb-phobes weighed in with their own criticism: potatoes should be avoided because they contain too many carbohydrates that will interfere with insulin regulation and cause fat gain.

Nonsense. Both white and sweet potatoes, when part of a healthy and intentional diet, provide a vast array of essential nutrients while adding both texture and taste to meals.

Check out this infographic to gain more knowledge on white and sweet potatoes, why they belong in our diets, and how to incorporate both varieties (you can even download them to print or tablet!).