Potatoes see praise in leading consumer media

January 27, 2021

Potatoes continue to get good coverage in leading consumer media as a nutrient-dense vegetable, a good carb and a source of key nutrients. Here’s a look at some recent media highlights: 

Popsugar highlighted potatoes in an article discussing 12 magnesium-rich foods that can help you get better sleep. Author and RD Lauren Manaker says, “Among its many benefits, magnesium can help quiet the nervous system and regulate production of the hormone melatonin — two factors that help support good sleep.” She adds, “When you’re enjoying baked potato wedges, you’re also giving yourself a healthy dose of magnesium.”

RD Kara Lydon contributed to a Well + Good article, sharing her five favorite recipes to make with potatoes to help readers prep potatoes like a registered dietitian. Lydon begins by setting the record straight, stating that potatoes are a nutrient-dense food and a good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Lydon also talks carbs, telling readers to “not forget that potatoes serve as a carbohydrate source and carbohydrates are our body and brain’s preferred source of energy.” Lydon’s favorite recipes include a roasted potato salad, roasted potato nachos, and potato leek soup.

Runner’s World takes time to dive into what resistant starch is and why people should start consuming more of it, spotlighting potatoes as a source of resistant starch. The article says that recent research indicates resistant starch can support good gut health by acting as a prebiotic, among other health benefits.  When it comes to potatoes, increase the resistant starch by cooking them in advance and then put them in the refrigerator overnight. It is known that once “cooled for about 24 hours, the digestible amylopectin starches in potatoes convert into the hardened resistant starch called amylose allowing for fewer carbs to be digested.”

WebMD features RD Sally Kuzemchak’s tips on how to eat a Mediterranean Diet. Kuzemchak says, “the Mediterranean Diet is the real deal. Instead of being a diet you go on and off, it’s a pattern of eating – and there’s a lot of evidence to support its positive effects, like lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.” Along with tips like, “don’t cut out carbs” and “enjoy veggies at every meal,” the article notes that the Mediterranean Diet is budget-friendly, and a lot of the ingredients are pantry staples, such as potatoes.