Are All Carbohydrates Interchangeable? Vitamins & Minerals

It's tempting to think of all carbohydrate foods as interchangeable. But these foods are categorized within different food groups for a reason – perhaps most importantly, they tend to have vastly different vitamin and mineral contents.

Compared to grains, starchy vegetables like potatoes tend to be higher in potassium, designated a nutrient of public health concern by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans because inadequate intake is associated with increased health risks. They can also provide an excellent source of vitamin C.