Study Finds Potatoes Are Rich with Key Nutrients and Packed with Health Benefits

Over the past few years, people have come to think of potatoes as an unhealthy vegetable, but new research suggests that they can be part of a healthy diet.

With the trend of diets such as paleo and keto, potatoes have been tossed to the side and developed a reputation for causing weight gain and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. However, this new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center suggests that potatoes do not increase the risks and are actually filled with key nutrients and packed with health benefits.

The Journal of Medicinal Food study involved 36 participants between 18 and 60 who were obese, overweight, or had insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, the body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control. It is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors and is often seen in people who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes. It has also been linked to high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

All participants were fed controlled diets of common foods, including peas, beans, fish or meat, or white potatoes with meat or fish. Both diets were high in fruits and vegetables and substituted approximately 40% of typical meat consumption with either beans and peas or potatoes.

The potatoes were prepared in a way that would maximize their fiber content. When compared with beans and peas, a diet with potatoes was found to be…