Potatoes do not hamper weight loss process--study

According to a new study, the process of weight loss through dietary regimes is not hampered by the inclusion of potatoes, provided they are consumed in a healthy manner.

Lead author of the study, Dr Britt Burton-Freeman from the University of California stated, “The results of this study confirm what health professionals and nutrition experts have said for years; when it comes to weight loss, it is not about eliminating a certain food or food groups, rather, it is reducing calories that count.

"There is no evidence that potatoes, when prepared in a healthful manner, contribute to weight gain. In fact, we are seeing that they can be part of a weight loss program."

Details of the study
The researchers conducted a study to examine the effects of potatoes as part of a calorie-restricted diet designed to induce weight loss and improve glycemic control in overweight subjects.

They recruited 86 people for a period of 12 weeks. The participants were divided in three groups wherein each group was assigned a diet that included six to seven servings of potatoes each week.

The first group followed a regime that included foods with a low glycemic index (LGI) in their diet daily, while the second group was assigned to a diet of high glycemic index (HGI) food.

The third group was allowed to choose their daily meals provided they adhered to the US dietary regulations.

Like the first two groups, they too needed to include five to seven servings of potatoes each week in their diet.

All the three groups were offered guidance by a dietitian and strictly monitored to ascertain that they only eat foods on their lists and incorporate potatoes into their diet.

Outcome of the study
At the close of the study, the researchers found that all the three groups had lost weight.

In addition, it was observed that there was a very minute variation in weight lost between the low and high glycemic index groups.

Kathleen Triou, vice president of domestic marketing for the United States Potato Board (USPB) stated, "We're thrilled with the results of this study. For the last few years the humble spud has been vilified in respect to its weight management properties. Now we realize that it should be glorified for its role in healthy weight loss."

This research was presented at the Obesity Society's 28th Annual Scientific Meeting Oct. 8-12, 2010.

A little about potatoes
Though potatoes rank high on the glycemic index, the humble food has many positive aspects, including its no-fat, high vitamin and mineral content.

According to experts, one medium-sized potato has only 110 calories, zero fat, and is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Potatoes contain 45 percent of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C and rank the highest for potassium content among the top 20 most frequently consumed raw vegetables and the top 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits.