Potatoes are an essential ingredient in many kitchens. They are delicious, versatile and healthy too!
A new study published in Journal of Nutritionnow even shows that regular consumption of potatoes can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and even prolong life. And the best part? You only need to eat about two potatoes a day!
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Potatoes are one of the most widely consumed vegetables in the world. No wonder, because they are full of important nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C and fiber, which are good for the heart.
Nevertheless, potatoes are often not considered the healthiest vegetable, mainly because of their high starch content and glycemic index, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
Potatoes: Why you should eat two every day
However, the current study, conducted by researchers in Norway, brings new insights. The eating habits of over 77,000 adults were examined over a period of 33.5 years.
It turned out that people who ate more potatoes generally had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a higher life expectancy. Men in particular, who consumed more potatoes, performed better in these health parameters.
The participants in the study ate an average of 13 potatoes per week, which is about two potatoes per day. And it had an effect: those who regularly had potatoes on their plate had a lower mortality rate. The study suggests that how the potatoes are prepared is particularly important.
In Norway, most potatoes were boiled in the 1970s and 1980s, and this method of preparation seems to be particularly beneficial.
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This is what happens when you eat 14 potatoes a week
The study also showed that people who eat at least 14 potatoes per week have a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease. What’s particularly impressive is that for every additional daily portion of 100 grams of potatoes, about one medium-sized potato, the risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality fell by about 4 percent. This effect remained even after factors such as gender, BMI and lifestyle habits such as smoking and exercise were taken into account.
An important point that News Medical highlights is the way the potatoes are prepared. In Norway, where the study took place, most potatoes were consumed in boiled form. Boiled potatoes have a low glycemic index and are considered particularly rich in nutrients. Potato chips and other processed potato products played hardly any role in the study, which shows that the way the potatoes are prepared can make a big difference.
Healthy potatoes: The right preparation is crucial
So if you want to do something for your health, it could be as simple as eating potatoes regularly – especially when they’re boiled. According to News Medical, boiled potatoes are a high-quality source of carbohydrates and a simple but effective way to protect your heart and extend your life expectancy.
This article first appeared on our content partner Smart up News.
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