Potatoes in the Media – February 2024

It’s February, which means that love is in the air… for potatoes! Check out these examples of some of recent media coverage on potatoes’ health benefits and versatility.

Today.com via Yahoo! News: This new heart-healthy style of eating emphasizes bread and potatoes

A study recently published in JAMA Network followed people on the “Atlantic Diet,” which is based on how people who live in northwest Spain and northern Portugal eat. The dietary pattern emphasizes foods like vegetables—including potatoes specifically—fruits, pulses, whole grains, and olive oil. The study found that people who followed the Atlantic Diet had significantly reduced risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions that can lead to heart disease.

EurekAlert!: Want school kids to eat more vegetables? Don’t forget about the power of potatoes on the plate

A new study published in Nutrients illustrates how potatoes may play a beneficial role in encouraging school-aged children to eat more vegetables. The study found children ate more total vegetables when peas and carrots were served in combination with potatoes shaped like smiley faces, suggesting that pairing kid-friendly forms of potatoes with other vegetables can promote greater overall vegetable consumption. Funding was provided by the Alliance for Potato Research & Education.

New York Times:Pasta and Rice May Be Healthier as Leftovers. Here’s Why.

Resistant starch is a type of fiber that’s naturally present in many types of plant foods, but it can also be increased in other foods that mainly contain regular starch—like rice, pasta, and potatoes—after they’re cooked and cooled. According to the article, resistant starches have been linked to a range of health benefits including lower blood sugar, better gut health, and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. More research on this topic is emerging, and more studies are needed to prove and broaden our knowledge of resistant starch.

Eating Well: 5 “Bad” Carbs You Should Be Eating When You Have Diabetes, According to a Dietitian

In this article, dietitian Lauren Manaker busts the myth that people with diabetes can’t eat potatoes. She touts the benefits of the fiber and protein in potatoes and encourages readers to keep the skin on.

Daily Meal: Yes, It’s Possible to Pickle Potatoes

For those looking for a more adventurous way to prepare potatoes, the Daily Meal is here with advice on pickling America’s favorite vegetable. The article suggests using waxy potatoes and recommends jazzing up the traditional brine with peppers to deliver some spice. Ideas for using pickled potatoes include in potato salad, on a charcuterie board, or just as a zesty snack.

Tasting Table: Potatoes Are The Unlikely Secret To Vegan Deviled Eggs

With many people trying to eat a more plant-forward diet, Tasting Table is out with a clever idea to make vegan deviled “eggs” with potatoes as a substitute for this classic dish. Gold potatoes are the star ingredient of this approach, which uses turmeric or curry powder to create the traditional yellow hue of the filling.