Q:
I
recently heard of a study that linked high potato consumption to higher rates
of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Are potatoes bad for you?
A:
The Harvard School of Public Health did release a study in
2014 that reported the above results and painted a bleak picture for
potatoes. However, the study grouped all
potato products together: potato chips,
French fries, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, etc.
The problem is not the potato. The problem is the way the potato is prepared
and the normal serving size. The potato is the most frequently eaten vegetable
in the United States. It is also the vegetable most often ordered
when eating out in the United
States.
As you can guess, potatoes are most often consumed, in large portions,
as potato chips and French fries by Americans.
Potatoes, when roasted, baked, or boiled are an excellent
low calorie source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Below are some practical suggestions when
consuming potatoes
•Leave
the skin on to increase fiber and potassium intake.
•Bake,
roast, or boil.
•Use
butter, cream, sour cream, and oil sparingly or not at all.
•Treat
it as a starch and not a vegetable (to force you to eat more vegetables).
•Limit
portion size to one medium potato (about the size of a computer mouse).
•Substitute
other starches for variety and health benefits (squash, peas, parsnips).
The following websites were
used as references in answering the question:
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2014/01/24/the-problem-with-potatoes
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/7-bad-foods-that-are-actually-good-for-you/2012/05/22/gIQA7EsiiU_story.html
http://www.prevention.com/food/smart-shopping/nutrition-myths-about-healthy-fruits-and-veggies
http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=56811&sc=3021