February, Idaho Potato Lovers Month Nutrition, Recipes, and Politics

Nutrition, Recipes and Politics

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, and dietary fiber. A baked potato is a healthy food choice and contains no fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.

The potato’s reputation as being fattening is related to the method of preparation, such as greasy French fries; and the addition of butter, sour cream, cheese and bacon.

Below are some heart healthy recipes, prepared by the Idaho Potato Commission.

Idaho® Potato Crusted Pizza

Estimated Nutritional Analysis per Serving:
(Omit the salt and use a low sodium broth to lower the sodium content)
280 calories, 25 mg cholesterol, 638 mg sodium,
13 g protein, 4 g fat, 27 g carbohydrates (Based upon 8 servings)

Grilled Idaho® Potato Ratatouille Salad

Estimated Nutritional Analysis per Serving:
345 calories, 0 mg cholesterol, 15 g fat, 90 mg sodium,

7 g protein, 52 g carbohydrates

Potato Bars
NPC Survey of School
Food Service Directors
Dayle Hayes, registered dietitian speaks about the
important role of the potato and the variety of
 healthy methods of preparation in our schools.

Resources
Idaho Potato Commission
National Potato Council
Dayle Hayes, MS, RD; School Meals That Rock

Kids Eat Right, Monday Message for May 21, 2012

Article of the Week

Kids who eat with their families are healthier and do better in school.   Make Sunday night dinner a family affair!  http://bit.ly/JHZpKW  

Hot Tip 

Lower the risk of your kids getting diabetes and other diseases by making sure they consume fiber-rich foods. http://bit.ly/Kt5ygo

Featured Video

Are your kids tired of same old snack? Try this Meal-in-a-Peel Potato Bar!  http://bit.ly/LRYtnM

Reader's Question: Which is the most Nutritious: Baked Potato, White Rice or Brown Rice?

One of the first things we learn as a dietitian is to eat in moderation and choose a variety of foods. When asked which is the healthies a Baked Potato, White Rice or Brown Rice. I wasn't sure how to answer the question. So, I lined up the three foods and prepared an analysis to compare their nutrient content.

Items marked in green,
indicate the nutrient with the best value.
 However, many of the nutrients differ only slightly.

Comparing the Nutrition Information

Conclusion

There were insignificant differences in the amount of calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, trans fatty acid, cholesterol, niacin equivalent and sodium.

Baked Potato rated the highest in fiber, Vitamin C, calcium, iron and potassium.

White Rice rated the highest in folate, an important nutrient for women of childbearing age .

Brown Rice ranked the highest in magnesium and phosphorus.

1. Magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes normal blood pressure.
2. Phosphorus is essential in the formation of bones and teeth. It also assists in the contraction of muscles, in the functioning of kidneys, in maintaining the regularity of the heartbeat, and in nerve conduction.

Which is the healthies a Baked Potato, White Rice or Brown Rice?  Recommendation: Eat a variety, in order to obtain a
balance of nutrients essential to your health.