Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Eating Potatoes May Increase Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
According to the results of a prospective study reported in the February issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating potatoes is associated with an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.The study by Thomas L. Halton, MD, and his colleagues from Harvard Medical School found that the association between potato consumption and risk for type 2 diabetes was more pronounced in obese and sedentary women. These subgroups were thought to be more likely to have underlying insulin resistance, which may worsen the adverse metabolic effects of higher glycemic carbohydrates, such as pototoes.
The findings suggest a modest positive association between the consumption of potatoes and the risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Furthermore, this association was even more evident when potatoes were substituted for whole grains.
These data substantiate that there is a potential benefit from limiting the intake of these foods in lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, as concluded by the researchers. Substituting of these sources of carbohydrate with lower glycemic, high-fiber forms of carbohydrates such as whole grains should be encouraged.
Ways to Modify Diet w/Low Glycemic Index Foods
It is simple to eat the low glycemic index (GI) way. By using the substitute this for that approach: substituting high GI carbs for low GI carbs you will be on your way. There is no need to count numbers or do any sort of mental arithmetic to make sure you are eating a healthy, low GI diet.
For instance, you can start by following these suggestions:
- Use breakfast cereals based on oats, barley and bran
- Use breads with wholegrains, stone ground flour, sour dough
- Reduce the amount of potatoes you eat
- Enjoy all other types of fruit and vegetables
- Use Basmati, Doongara or Japanese koshihikari rice ( I will be completing honest, I never heard of this)
- Enjoy pasta, noodles, quinoa
- Eat plenty of salad vegetables with a vinagrette dressing
Sources:
- Barclay, Laurie, 2006. Eating Potatoes May Increase Risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved March 8, 2006 from Medscape Medical News at URL: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/524648
- University of Sydney, 2006. The Official Website of the Glycemic Index and GI Database. Retrieved March 8, 2006 from the Home of the Glycemic Index at URL: http://www.glycemicindex.com/
"On your way to a happier, healthier you!"
