Are potatoes not unhealthy? New research reveals they may work magic for heart health

Potatoes have never been considered a very healthy vegetable and their less starchy counterparts always took all the spotlight.

However, new research has revealed that potatoes can be a game-changer in the diet of people battling Type 2 diabetesand can also improve heart health.

Potatoes, which often get slammed for their carbohydrate content, are a powerhouse of nutrients which can improve blood sugar levels as well as decrease waistlines.

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Although potatoes have various health benefits and are filled with rich minerals, they have been stigmatised as not being very healthy by weight-conscious individuals.

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However, the new research, led by Neda Akhavan, assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences atUNLV’s School of Integrated Health Sciences, is set to revolutionise the image of potatoes.

“I like doing research on food items that are highly stigmatized in the nutrition world. Most people associate the potato as something that is mostly fried or has a lot of fat, and we wanted to shine a light on how a potato – when prepared properly – can be both functional and healthy," said Akhavan.

How was theresearch carried out?

In the research, 24 individuals - who had Type 2 diabetes - were fed pre-prepared baked potatoes as adaily snackor side dish.

A control group ate an equivalent serving of white rice. The study was carried out for 12 weeks, and changes in cardiometabolic health indicators and glycemic control were observed.

What was the outcome of the study?

In the results, the potatoes emerged as a winner, as those who ate them had a modest decrease in fasting blood glucose levels and their waist circumference and body composition improved while there was a reduction in resting heart rate.

“The results from our study provide evidence that white potatoes can be healthfully incorporated in the diet of individuals with Type 2 diabetes when substituted for other foods with a high glycemic load, such as long-grain white rice," Akhavan said.

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“Additionally, there were no harmful effects on measured health outcomes, and some cardiometabolichealth benefitswere shown, which aligned with what we expected to see. Therefore, diabetics should not shy away from potatoes," he added.

Akhavan said it is important to prepare potatoes in moderation. “Potatoes are a very versatile food and can be eaten with most types of cuisines, but you want to make sure to incorporate them into a well-rounded diet," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)