I was happily surprised to read about a recent study showing that potatoes fight inflammation. Potatoes usually get such a bad rap—high in carbs, low in vitamins. Whenever people cite the stat that Americans eat more potatoes than any other vegetable, it’s with the implication that this is a terrible thing. But I’ve always had faith that taters are actually a health food. Haven’t the Irish (my people!) made them a dietary staple for centuries? And according to History magazine South Americans have been cultivating potatoes for more than 3000 years.

The caveat here is that not all potatoes have equally anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers at Washington State University gathered three different groups of healthy adult men and fed each group a different type of potato—yellow, purple or white—every day for six weeks. Then they tested the men’s blood for markers of inflammation and antioxidant activity, and compared the results to blood samples taken at the beginning of the study.

They found that men who ate yellow or purple potatoes had lower blood levels of interleukin-6, a marker for inflammation, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a sign of DNA damage. The purple potato eaters also showed lower levels of C-reactive protein. The white potato eaters didn’t receive the same benefits. So it seems that, as with other produce, the more richly pigmented ones pack the most benefits.

Unfortunately, this news doesn’t change the sad fact that French fries are never a good idea. Cooking spuds at high heat, through frying or even roasting, causes the formation of a cancer-causing compound called acrylamide. You can reduce acrylamide formation by soaking or microwaving raw potatoes before you fry or roast them, but the safer recipe option is to boil. 

But don’t think that boiled potatoes don’t have to be boring!  I love this recipe for Crushed Heirloom Potatoes: You just boil potatoes with skin on then crush them with a spoon while adding blue cheese, arugula and chopped pecans. It’s scrumptious, unique and so easy.

Similar Posts:

• 60 Days, 1,200 Potatoes
• Is Black Rice the Latest Superfood?
• Glycemic Index Explained – How to Lose Weight with the Glycemic Index
• Fiber: Why You Need It
• Apple a day does keep the doctor away