Unlocking the Power of Potatoes
Surprising truth about Potatoes. February is National Potato Lovers Month and for good reason. New research reveals that potatoes can actually help with weight loss and improve insulin resistance especially for people with diabetes or trouble managing blood sugar. Dr. Candida J. Rebello a nutrition expert at Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been studying the benefits of potatoes in a healthy diet.
Debunking Common Misconceptions
Many people believe that potatoes are unhealthy and contribute to weight gain and diabetes. However Dr. Rebello says this is misleading. Potatoes are often blamed for weight gain and diabetes because of how they are prepared. French fries and potato chips for example are high in fat and calories. However when prepared healthily potatoes are low in calories and packed with nutrients.
The Nutritional Benefits of Potatoes
Surprising truth about Potatoes.Potatoes have almost no fat and are rich in important nutrients. They contain dietary fiber which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer and potassium which is essential for heart health. Potatoes also contain resistant starch which helps control blood sugar levels and improves digestion.
How Potatoes Can Help with Weight Loss
Dr. Rebello’s research shows that potatoes can help people feel full while maintaining a healthy weight. In her study participants replaced 40% of the meat or fish in their meals with potatoes. The potatoes were cooked in a way that increased their fiber content such as boiling and cooling them before eating. After eight weeks participants lost an average of 5.8 kg and showed better insulin sensitivity.
The Importance of Preparation
The way potatoes are prepared is crucial to their nutritional value. Boiling baking or roasting potatoes with the skin on can help retain their nutrients. Avoid frying potatoes as this can add extra calories and fat.
Incorporating Potatoes into Your Diet
Potatoes can be a healthy and delicious addition to your diet. Try boiling or baking potatoes and topping them with herbs and spices for a tasty side dish. You can also add potatoes to soups stews and salads for extra nutrition.
Conclusion
Potatoes are a nutritious and versatile food that can help with weight loss and improve insulin resistance. By incorporating potatoes into your diet and preparing them healthily you can reap the benefits of this amazing food.
Mediabites: Healthy Eating Tips
At Mediabites we believe that healthy eating is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Stay tuned for more healthy eating tips and tricks and learn how to incorporate nutritious foods like potatoes into your diet.
