The Importance of Potassium for Cardiovascular Health
An often overlooked nutrient, potassium may have far reaching benefits for heart health. According to Marie Spano, MS, RD of Today’s Dietitian, potassium may be beneficial in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD), the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Research indicates that a significant proportion of Americans live day to day with a moderate potassium deficit, which poses long term cardiovascular health risks. This condition appears to be largely the result of a dearth of potassium in the typical, American diet, which has become heavy in processed, high-sodium foods. The only way to truly increase potassium levels is to eat potassium-rich foods.
Potatoes are not only fat-, cholesterol- and sodium-free, but they also rank highest in potassium among the top 20 most frequently consumed raw vegetables and the 20 top most frequently consumed raw fruits. One serving of skin-on potatoes contains 620 mg of potassium, making it a good source of potassium by USDA standards.
To see the full article and learn more about ways to reduce the risk of CVD, visit Today’s Dietitian online.
June 6th, 2008 at 8:24 am
I wonder how good POTATOES for the Diabetes.I’m 65 year old man and
have diabebte for 15 year.Pleae give some ideas and advices for my daily diet.
Thank you so much.
Chris.
June 12th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
i wanted to ask about storing potatoes, will they keep longer if you put them in the refrigator,
June 13th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Potatoes can certainly be a part of a diabetic diet. The key to managing your diabetes is to balance the carbohydrates you consume with protein and fat. For example, just eating a baked potato by itself is probably not a good idea. But, a baked potato along with a piece of baked chicken and some steamed broccoli would be a great. Of course if you top your potato with a small amount of fat and some protein that will also help balance the macronutrients and minimize potential negative changes in blood sugar levels. For example, topping a baked potato with broccoli and low-fat cheese sauce or with black beans, fat free sour cream and salsa.
The following Web site from the Mayo clinic discusses the diabetic exchange system and provides links to the different exchange lists: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-diet/DA00077. Of course, your best course of action is to make an appointment with a registered dietitian who specializes in the nutritional management of diabetes. This individual can not only provide the information you need regarding exchange lists but develop personalized meal plans for you.
For further information, please visit http://www.healthypotato.com/Content/pdf/NutritionHandouts/Diabetes.pdf.
June 13th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Storing potatoes in the refrigerator goes… When potatoes are stored at too cold of a temperature they can turn black or gray when cooked. To keep this from happening, store potatoes at a temperature between 45ºF and 55ºF. We do not recommend storing your potatoes in the refrigerator, but if you do, letting the potato warm gradually to room temperature before cooking can reduce the discoloration.