Potatoes are one of ‘Seven foods not to fear’ in the latest copy from the Sunday Star Times- 22nd July. Along with 
Gluten/Wheat, Fried Foods, Eggs, Fruits, Soy and Alcohol. Here’s what Katherine Tallmadge has to say to back up the Kiwi favourite: Potato Chips!
“Potatoes have been blamed for increasing blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, excess weight and type 2 diabetes. A recent Harvard study that followed larged populations and their disease rates linked potato eating with being overweight, blaming in on the blood glucose rise.
But many foods, including whole-wheat bread and whole-grain cereals, cause similar spikes in blood glucose, and are correlated with superior health and lower body weights. How could the higher body weight in the Harvard study be explained?
The study lumped all potato products together, including potato chips and french fries, very fattening versions of potatoes usually eaten in large portions alongside hamburgers, hot dogs and fizzy drinks.
“It’s and easy food to attack, but the meal pattern may be the culprit,” said David Baer of the Department of Agriculture. “Other epidemiological studies have not verified a connection between potatoes and weight gain or any diseases, and no clinical studies have shown a connection.”
Potatoes are a great source of potassium, vitamin C and fibre that many cultures- Scandinavians, Russians, Irish and Peruvians – relied on as a nutritious staple for centuries. And they were not fat. ”
Find out more about the Potato as a ‘Nutritional goldmine’ from our members Potatoes NZ here.
We know that a well-cooked chip can be better and more nutritious than a lot of other food options. So let’s do our bit and work together to cook better chips!
