Articles tagged with Potatoes
A randomized crossover study found that eating non-fried potatoes instead of refined grains improved diet quality and was associated with lower cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants who ate potatoes had higher potassium and fiber intake, as well as a healthier index score.
Sweet potatoes use a unique terpene compound called DMNT to trigger a defense response in neighboring plants. This single-odor warning system protects the plant from herbivores and reduces the need for pesticides.
The most serious threat to the potato industry in the US is Potato Virus Y (PVY), which causes a 70-80% yield loss and necrotic reactions. New strains like PVY N-Wi and NTN have become dominant, making it challenging for diagnostic labs to detect them.
A new study found that consuming potato puree during prolonged exercise can sustain blood glucose levels and improve performance in trained athletes. The research compared the effects of potato puree to commercial carbohydrate gels on cycling performance.
Scientists at Michigan State University have received a four-year, $2.6 million grant to investigate tuber evolution in plants like potatoes and tomatoes. The researchers aim to uncover the genetic mechanisms behind this adaptation, which allows plants to store energy underground and survive harsh conditions.
Researchers at HHU are developing tools for genomic selection in potatoes to breed disease-resistant, climate-adapted varieties with higher nutrition values. The PotatoTools project aims to create generally applicable methods and tools for genetic analysis, despite the absence of a reference genome sequence.
Researchers at FAU have discovered a small RNA that prevents potato tuber formation at high temperatures. They created heat-resistant potato plants by deactivating this RNA, which can withstand temperatures above 29 degrees during the day or night. This breakthrough offers hope for securing crop yields in the face of climate change.
A University of Guelph study found that swapping half of a portion of starchy side dishes with lentils can significantly improve the body's response to carbohydrates. Replacing potatoes with lentils led to a 35-per-cent drop in blood glucose levels.
New research by Indiana University paleobotanist David Dilcher reveals that sweet potatoes originated in Asia, contradicting previous North American assumptions. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of flowering plants and highlights the divergence of morning glory and nightshade families.
Researchers discovered that sweet potatoes originated over 800,000 years ago in the Americas, challenging the long-held theory of pre-Columbian contacts between Polynesia and the American continent. The findings suggest that humans did not introduce sweet potatoes to Polynesia but rather allowed them to cross the ocean naturally.
Researchers at Saarland University are developing an AI-based platform to optimize potato production, providing real-time forecasts and insights to farmers and food manufacturers. The system uses data from various sources, including sensors on artificial potatoes, to predict product losses and identify optimal harvesting times.
Researchers found that even small temperature increases can lead to near-total crop failure due to invasive pests. Farmers lack resources to adapt to climate change, putting millions of people at risk of food insecurity.
A report on high-quality carbohydrates and physical performance suggests that balanced diets rich in natural, carbohydrate-rich foods like potatoes may be optimal for improving athletic performance. The report aligns with decades of studies showing the primary importance of carbohydrates in sustaining and improving athletic performance.
Researchers charted the lineage of potatoes to understand how they were domesticated and how their DNA evolved. They identified genes targeted during domestication that control variance for agricultural traits, vital to food security.
Rutgers psychologists discover that confronting people about bigoted statements can lead to a lasting reduction in prejudice. Confrontation causes individuals to feel bad and consciously avoid repeating such statements, with effects persisting even a week after the initial encounter.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified key genes that helped domesticated potatoes adapt over thousands of years. By studying the ancestors of modern North American cultivated potatoes, scientists uncovered common genes and important pathways that enabled spuds to thrive in diverse environments.
Researchers found that pigs fed a high-calorie diet supplemented with purple-fleshed potatoes had lower levels of inflammation-linked protein IL-6, compared to those on a standard diet. This study suggests that whole foods containing macronutrients and phytonutrients may be effective in preventing colon cancer.
Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a method to match crop nitrogen requirements with a precision of 10-20 kg N/ha. This method uses a reference curve based on comparisons of leaf area and leaf reflectance at different light wavelengths, allowing for more accurate nitrogen application and reducing agricultural emissions.
Researchers find 10,900-year-old stone tool with potato starch residues, revealing the earliest evidence of wild potato use in North America. The discovery sheds light on ancient human diets and could hold potential for improving modern potato crops.
A study suggests that exposure to trace metals from potatoes grown in soil irrigated with waters from the Potosi mining region in Bolivia may pose a potential health risk. The study found high hazard quotients for arsenic and cadmium, indicating a significant risk of non-cancer health illnesses, particularly among children.
A McMaster University study reveals that short, intense stair climbing can significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce the risk of heart disease. The research also highlights interval training as a convenient way to incorporate exercise into daily life.
A new review examines the potential health benefits of resistant starch, a form of starch not digested in the small intestine. It has been linked to improved blood sugar control and enhanced gut health through increased production of short-chain fatty acids.
A study by NC State researchers analyzed 183 phytophthora infestans samples from across the globe to track the pathogen's movement. FAM-1 lineage was found in US, Europe, and Colombia, suggesting a South American origin. The pathogen has caused massive disease outbreaks worldwide, with billions spent annually on control measures.
Researchers discovered a rare enzyme called 5NAA-A in bacteria Bradyrhizobium sp. JS329 that breaks down the toxic compound 5-NAA, rendering it harmless to potatoes. This mechanism could inspire future work to engineer an enzyme or bacterium to detoxify thaxtomin.
A study published in The BMJ found that higher intakes of boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes and French fries are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Replacing one serving a day of potatoes with non-starchy vegetables is linked to a lower risk of hypertension.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found a significant association between eating four or more servings of boiled, baked, mashed potatoes or French fries per week and an increased risk of high blood pressure. Replacing potato consumption with non-starchy vegetables was associated with a lower risk of hypertension.
A new public-private partnership aims to develop better potatoes for tropical and subtropical conditions in South Asia. CIP, HZPC, and SFSA will combine their expertise to breed and select potato varieties suitable for local markets.
Regular exercise can counteract health problems associated with sitting all day, according to a new study published in BMC Public Health. The research found that people who are physically active have a more desirable health profile compared to those who are inactive and spend high amounts of time sitting.
Researchers found a wild potato with almost seven times as much calcium as usual varieties. Breeding programs can now use molecular markers to identify high-calcium traits, speeding up the breeding process. This discovery aims to improve crop quality and reduce cosmetic issues in potatoes.
Research shows that potatoes are a well-liked vegetable among young children and are a good source of key nutrients like potassium and dietary fiber. Including potatoes in school meals can help ensure children receive these essential nutrients.
A National Institutes of Health study found that women who eat more potatoes before pregnancy may have higher rates of gestational diabetes compared to those who consume fewer potatoes. Substituting potatoes with other vegetables, legumes or whole grains may help lower gestational diabetes risk, according to the researchers.
A study published in The BMJ found that higher potato consumption before pregnancy increases the risk of gestational diabetes. Swapping potatoes for other vegetables, legumes, or whole grains may lower this risk, possibly due to their lower glycaemic index.
A team of scientists has identified two promising potato varieties, Payette Russet and Easton, that form less acrylamide when fried. The study shows a strong relationship between the genetics of raw potatoes and their potential to produce acrylamide.
A new study reveals that potato waste in Switzerland can be reduced significantly through improved cultivation methods and quality standards. The researchers found that 53% of conventionally produced table potatoes are wasted, while organic production leads to a higher waste proportion.
A team of Penn State researchers found that compounds in purple potatoes can suppress the growth of colon cancer tumors by targeting stem cells. The study suggests that eating a medium-sized purple potato per day may provide cancer prevention benefits.
Researchers developed vitamin A fortified sweet potato varieties to combat blindness in Africa and South-Eastern Asia. Impilo and Purple Sunset are the most promising varieties, offering high beta-carotene content and adaptability to different growing conditions.
A recent Cornell Food & Brand Lab study found that serving vegetables at dinner increases the perception of being a better cook and a more loving parent. Serving veggies even if not liked can make the meal tastier, according to lead author Brian Wansink.
Women aged 19-50 consume low amounts of vegetables, with white potatoes being a crucial source of essential nutrients like potassium and fiber. The study's findings support the Institute of Medicine's recommendations for adequate intake, particularly for non-Hispanic black women who are already at risk for high blood pressure and stroke.
Research suggests that consistent and early exposure to a variety of vegetables is crucial for increasing intake and filling nutrient gaps in young children. Experts agree that parents must offer vegetables consistently and persistently to help kids develop taste preferences.
Research reveals that negative health messages are more effective for highly involved and detail-oriented audiences, while positive messages are better for those with uncertain outcomes. For the general public, positive messages with clear action steps are more effective.
Researchers found that potato extract reduced weight gain in mice fed an obesity-inducing diet by 9 grams. The extract's high polyphenol content is responsible for its benefits. This study suggests that potato extracts could be a low-cost solution for preventing both obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that eating potatoes as part of a balanced diet can aid in weight loss. The research, led by Dr. Britt Burton-Freeman, involved ninety overweight men and women who were given various calorie restrictions and provided with potatoes, healthful recipes, and...
Researchers from Oregon State University have identified the ancestral home of Phytophthora infestans, a costly and deadly plant disease that causes potato late blight. The discovery provides new avenues to discover resistance genes and helps explain the mechanisms of repeated emergence of this disease.
Scientists boosted potato resistance to late blight without deploying fungicides in a three-year GM research trial. The study found non-transgenic plants were 100% infected while GM plants remained fully resistant., The GM technology triggers the plant's natural defense mechanisms, enabling it to recognize and resist the pathogen.
Researchers are working to conserve the high diversity of potatoes found in South America, where over 5,000 varieties exist. A top-down approach using remote sensing and bottom-up knowledge from local farmers is being used to identify agrobiodiversity hotspots and create strategies for sustainable use.
Researchers discovered how the Phytophthora infestans pathogen adapted to spread between plant species by secreting specialized substances that shut down host defences. By understanding this process, scientists can develop proteases that detect and resist these stealthy molecular mechanisms.
A new study found that buffet diners are more likely to choose healthy foods when they are presented first. The researchers discovered that the presentation order of buffet food significantly impacts selection, with healthier options triggering subsequent choices.
Scientists have mapped out the biochemical pathway responsible for manufacturing glycoalkaloids in plants, which are toxic substances found in potatoes and other edible plants. The research could facilitate breeding of toxin-free crops and development of new crop varieties.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that potatoes provide a high nutritional value per penny, making them an affordable source of essential nutrients. Potatoes were ranked among the lowest-cost sources of potassium and fiber, highlighting their potential as a nutritious staple in a balanced diet.
A comprehensive study revises the taxonomy of Solanum species, including the description of a new species endemic to Ecuador. The research highlights the diversity and rarity of these plants, many of which are threatened or endangered.
The resistant starch content of potatoes can be altered significantly by cooking and serving methods. Baking and chilling increase the resistant starch content, while hot serving reduces it. The study provides valuable information for identifying high-resistant starch foods and improving preparation methods.
A new study reveals that white potato consumption is positively associated with an increase in potassium intake among adults and children. Potassium deficiency is a public health concern, affecting 97% of Americans, and the study suggests that white potatoes can help address this issue.
ARS scientists bred yellow potatoes with enhanced carotenoid levels, doubling their nutritional value compared to Yukon Gold. The new varieties have shown promise in improving eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation.
Cold-induced sweetening in potatoes causes unwanted flavor changes and dark colors. Researchers found that suppressing invertase enzyme activity can enable cold storage without compromising chip or plant appearance. The study provides proof of concept for the importance of invertase in cold-induced sweetening.
Scientists have discovered a way to increase antioxidant levels in sweet potatoes through an electric current treatment, which can help relieve hunger and improve nutrition. The study found that the treatment increased antioxidant activity and polyphenol content by 1.4 times and 1.6 times compared to untreated potatoes.
Researchers analyzed data from over 5,800 adults and found no link between baked, boiled, or mashed white potatoes and increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, or systemic inflammation. Demographic factors like age, gender, and education were controlled for in the study.
A new analysis of NHANES data shows that school-aged children consumed less than 1% of their daily caloric intake from white potatoes, while adults averaged around 3-4% of total calories. White potatoes are packed with essential nutrients, including potassium and dietary fiber.
A study found that consuming 2-3 small purple potatoes per day reduces blood pressure by 4% without causing weight gain. This effect is attributed to the high levels of antioxidant compounds in these potatoes, which may have similar effects to ACE-inhibitor medications.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to grow sweet potatoes in space that requires minimal growing space. The new technique involves training the plant's main vine to wrap around a cone or cylinder cage, allowing for vertical growth and increased crop yield.
Research presented at the American Dietetic Association's Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo shows that potatoes provide significantly better nutritional value per dollar than other raw vegetables. Potatoes are the lowest cost source of dietary potassium, with a medium-sized potato containing more potassium than a banana.