Studies Sing Praises of Potatoes

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study out of Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, found that children experienced better memory recall, improved blood sugar levels and increased levels of satiety after eating white potatoes compared to other carbohydrate sources at breakfast. The study was published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.

Another review article, published in Current Nutrition and Food Science, examines the various nutritional benefits of potatoes. Compared to other vegetables, potatoes are richer in essential nutrients that support multiple health outcomes, such as proteins, starch, fiber, and vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and potassium, as well as phytochemicals such as lutein and zeaxanthin. In particular, resistant starch, a predominant carb in potatoes, may positively impact the health of the gut microbiome.

The Alliance for Potato Research and Education is currently funding five studies investigating the benefits of resistant starch in potatoes, including the potential to improve gut health and positively impact heart health and insulin sensitivity.