The Mighty Potato

A recent study evaluated the benefits of a benefit of a low in energy but high in density diet specifically one with either potatoes or beans. The endpoint was to evaluate insulin resistance as you know when there is sugar in your blood your pancreas makes insulin to break it down into energy and important metabolic byproducts needed by our cells.

It is a very common, misconception that potatoes have a negative effect on our blood sugar. When actually, it can help us lose weight that is what researchers at Louisiana State University Biomedical Research Center discovered.

 The participants were either overweight, obese or had insulin resistance. The end point was to evaluate extent of insulin resistance. As you know when there is sugar in your blood your pancreas makes insulin to break it down into energy and important metabolic byproducts needed by our cells. It is a very common misconception that potatoes have a negative effect on our blood sugar.

Fact

Full of health benefits, potatoes are filled with key nutrients and DO NOT increase our risk of becoming a diabetic.  We eat pretty much the same volume of food to reach feeling full, but it is what that food consists of (calories) that determines weight gain. So it makes sense if we eat foods that are heavier in weight but less in number of calories, we’re going to lose weight. 

In this study participants became fuller faster and often did not finish their meal when a high calorie item was replaced with potatoes. Watching their blood glucose levels, no negative effect occurred when they consumed potatoes. Good news was all of those involved actually lost weight with no significant difference between the potato or bean diets.

It is well known that we typically do not stick to a diet for so many reasons. But think about compliance if potatoes, which can be prepared so many ways, were a part of the diet. Potatoes also are a fairly inexpensive vegetable as are beans.

When thinking about your diet consider the potato. Remember it is the toppings and dips thst add calories/weight.