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Health and Nutrition Professionals

Unpacking the health benefits of America’s Favorite Vegetable

As a health professional, you’re always looking for credible nutrition information and guidance. Here you’ll find a diverse collection of science-based potato nutrition materials. From research, to handouts, get the resources you need to teach your clients about the role potatoes play in a healthful diet.

Take advantage of this digital nutrition library and learn more about potatoes- America’s Favorite Vegetable.

Science-based potato nutrition information is critical.

In recent years, the dietary value of carbohydrate foods has come under increased scrutiny.

The following research is available to help increase understanding of the role potatoes play in promoting health, including cardiometabolic health, healthy dietary patterns, and healthy lifestyles (with an emphasis on athletic performance and life stages).

VIEW ALL RESEARCH

Recently Published

Carbohydrate Scoring System

Application of a new carbohydrate food quality scoring system: An expert panel report.

Read Study

Clarifying Carb Confusion

Experts propose evidence-based scoring system to assess the overall healthfulness of carb-containing foods.

Ready Study

Shifting Quality Carb Dialogue

Experts propose a new approach to define high-quality carbohydrate foods & avoiding unreliable indicators, like GI

Read Study
Did You Know?

82% of RD's

Recommend their clients include potatoes as part of their healthy meal plan.

link if needed

Nutrition Highlights

Reasons RDs recommend potatoes as part of a healthy dietary plan:

“Help with weight loss by keeping you full”

“A good source of potassium and complex carbohydrates”

“Contain resistant starch which improves blood sugar control”

“Potatoes are a good source of carb, and help maintain energy levels in the body”

“The iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and zinc in potatoes all help the body to build and maintain bone structure and strength”

 

Let's Talk GI

Healthy Plate

Don't rate a healthy plate by the glycemic index.

Download

Survey from Today's Dietitian

Results show an overwhelming majority of nutrition professionals do not use the glycemic index.

Download

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

A study found wide variability in individual response to GI value determinations—both intrapersonal and interpersonal.

Read
Free CEU's

Learning Lab

Potato University is an online education platform helping registered dietitians leverage their expertise by gaining insights into how potatoes fit into a healthy diet. The following course is approved for 1CEU (continuing education unit).

Go to Course

Sound Bites Podcast

Carbohydrate food scores & culturally diverse diets – Dr. Adam Drewnowski & Dr. Judy Rodriguez. The following episode is approved for 1CEU (continuing education unit).

Listen to Podcast
FAQ's

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Are all types of potatoes equally nutritious?

 All varieties of potatoes are nutritious, and while nutrients may vary slightly depending on the variety, the differences are minimal.

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Can you eat potatoes if you’re trying to lose weight?

You can include potatoes as part of a weight loss program. It’s calories that count, not eliminating certain foods. Research demonstrates that people can eat potatoes and still lose weight.

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Are there differences in nutrient content between fresh, frozen, and instant (dehydrated) potatoes?

Processed potatoes deliver the same nutrients as fresh potatoes (such as potassium, vitamin C, and fiber), but the amounts will vary depending on the form. Find out more about the nutrient content in potato forms.

 

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Are potato chips highly processed?

Potato chips are minimally processed and typically made with three ingredients found in the most homes – potatoes, vegetable oil and salt.

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Are fries healthy?

Just like other forms of white potatoes, fries deliver essential nutrients that many Americans don’t get enough of each day, particularly, potassium and vitamin C.

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How do white potatoes and sweet potatoes compare when it comes to their nutrition?

Both sweet and white potatoes provide an excellent source of vitamin C, are good sources of potassium and B6, and provide similar amounts of protein (2g and 3g respectively).  Click here to see the nutrition comparison of White Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes.

 

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Are potatoes fattening?

Potatoes are naturally fat-free.

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Are all the nutrients in the skin of the potato?

No. The notion that all the nutrients are in the skin is a myth. While the skin does contain approximately half of the total dietary fiber, most (> 50%) of the nutrients are found within the potato itself. For more information, please click here.

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Do potatoes have a high glycemic index (GI)?

The GI of potatoes is highly variable and depends on various factors, including the potato type, origin, processing, and preparation.

 

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Should people with diabetes avoid foods like potatoes?

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes. The total amount of carbohydrate consumed at any given meal or snack is what is most important.

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Are potatoes good for you?

Yes, potatoes are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free. In addition, potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, and a good source of potassium. Foods that are good sources of potassium and sodium-free, such as potatoes, may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

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Ask more questions

 

Ask registered dietitian, Bonnie Johnson.