French fried or not, a newly published study sings the praises of eating potatoes.
Photo by Carol Miller
Another respected health institution has confirmed potatoes are healthy for you. A Boston University School of Medicine study involving more than 2,500 middle-aged and older adults examined how consuming fried and non-fried potatoes impacted three cardiometabolic outcomes. The study lasted roughly four years.
The research team took a look at any cardiometabolic impact from potatoes cooked in different ways. Here how those participating in the study prepared the potatoes they consumed:
- 36% Baked
- 28% Fried
- 14% Mashed
- 9% Boiled
- (Remainder cooked in other ways)
Eating more potatoes, even fried potatoes, had no correlation with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, or elevated triglycerides.
And when potato consumption paired with more exercise, the team saw lower risks.
• Fried potatoes and exercise lower impaired fasting glucose risk by 24%.
• Eating more fried potatoes combined with increased exercise and lower red-meat consumption lowers the risk of elevated triglycerides by 26%.
The team found no correlation between potato consumption and any of the other cardiometabolic functions.
To read the entire study: “Potato Consumption Is Not Associated with Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes in Framingham Offspring Study Adults,” visit cambridge.org.