Potatoes No Longer Shunned in Diets

SAN DIEGOLong shunned from traditional diets, potatoes have been found to be a part of a weight-loss program when prepared in a healthful manner, according to new research presented Oct. 12 during the 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Obesity Society.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis and the National Center for Food Safety and Technology, Illinois Institute of Technology studied 86 overweight men and women over 12 weeks to measure the effects of a reduced-calorie modified glycemic index (GI) diet with the addition of potatoes.

Three groups with randomly selected persons were formed, each having a diet that included five to seven servings of potatoes per week. Results showed that all three groups lost weight.

One group was given a list of foods with a low-glycemic index (LGI) to include in their diet daily; the second group was given a list of foods with a high-glycemic index (HGI) to include in their diet daily; the control group was allowed to choose their daily meals and caloric intake on their own, but were encouraged to adhere to the U.S. dietary guidelines and the food guide pyramid. The only requirement of the third group was like the other two groups they had to include five to seven servings of potatoes each week. Both groups reduced their daily caloric intake by 500 calories and consumed five to seven servings of potatoes each week. All participants were guided and monitored for compliance by a dietitian to only eat foods on their lists or like foods along with the provided potatoes.

All subjects were provided recipes and counseled for successful dietary adherence. The results indicated that all three groups lost weight and there was no significant difference in weight lost between the low and high glycemic index groups.

One medium-size (5.3 ounce) skin-on potato contains just 110 calories per serving, boasts more potassium (620g) than a banana, provides almost half the daily value of vitamin C (45 percent), and contains no fat, sodium or cholesterol.

The results of this study confirm what health professionals and nutrition experts have said for years; when it comes to weight loss, it is not about eliminating a certain food or food groups, rather, it is reducing calories that count," said lead researcher Dr. Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, MS. There is no evidence that potatoes, when prepared in a healthful manner, contribute to weight gain. In fact, we are seeing that they can be part of a weight-loss program."