Normally nutritionists say it’s a bad idea to eat a diet high in refined carbohydrates.
Now that recommendation may soon change, according to a new study from McGill University.
According to researcher Luis Agellon, mice on a refined carbohydrate diet who were given a potato extract gained 9 fewer grams of weight compared to those who skipped the extract–something which researchers credit to its high amounts of polyphenols, types of plant-based antioxidants.
The research is published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.
“We were astonished by the results,” says Agellon. “We thought this can’t be right–in fact, we ran the experiment again using a different batch of extract prepared from potatoes grown in another season, just to be certain.”
The Research
Normally, most people don’t envision using potatoes to lose weight.
New evidence from McGill University is now challenging these claims, however.
Isolating mice in a laboratory setting, researchers fed them a diet to increase their obesity, high in fat and refined carbohydrates. Naturally, the mice gained weight–up to 16 grams, more than half of their regular weight.
Then researchers isolated a potato extract taken from 30 potatoes and added it to their diet, and discovered something remarkable.
Despite the amount of calories they consumed, the mice actually gained less weight when given the potato extract, cutting their weight gain in half. They only gained 7 grams on average, whereas the mice who did not consume this extract gained around 16 grams.
As for the reason why, researchers believe its polyphenol content is key.
“In the famous French diet, considered to be very healthy, potatoes–not red wine–are the primary source of polyphenols,” says Stan Kubow, lead author of the study. “In North America, potatoes come third as a source of polyphenols–before the popular blueberries. Potatoes have the advantage of being cheap to produce, and they’re already part of the basic diet in many countries.”
However, if you plan on downing 30 potatoes to keep your weight low, that’s probably a bad idea, says Kubow. 30 potatoes alone contain too many calories–instead, a potato extract, or simply adding potatoes to cooked meals, could make a bigger difference.
“The daily dose of extract comes from 30 potatoes, but of course we don’t advise anyone to eat 30 potatoes a day,” says Kubow. “[Instead] making the extract available as a dietary supplement or simply as a cooking ingredient to be added in the kitchen [would work].”
Bottom line? If you’re struggling to lose weight, make sure potatoes are a part of your diet–chances are it could make you slim.
Readers: Are potatoes a part of your diet? Why or why not?
Source:
Controlling Obesity With Potato Extract – ScienceDaily.com
Extract of Irish Potatoes, Rich in Polyphenols, Reduces Weight Gain to a Surprising Extent – McGill.ca
Extract of Irish Potatoes Decreases Body Weight Gain and Adiposity and Improves Glucose Control in the Mouse Model of Diet-Induced Obesity – Wiley.com
About The Author: Zero to Hero Fitness!
Our mission at Zero to Hero Fitness is to help you to finally lose the weight and keep it off, strengthen your body and mind, and experience naturally high levels of energy throughout the day. We believe everyone, regardless of your past or current struggles with your health or fitness, can greatly improve on your existing condition and live life in your best body possible.