WASHINGTON, July 24 (UPI) -- The potato, often thought of as a healthy vegetable, actually contributes to obesity, a federally funded study claims.
While the potato is marketed as a fat- and cholesterol-free source of potassium and fiber, there is mounting evidence it might contribute to weight gain, even if eaten in moderation, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine said.
McClatchy Newspapers said the lead researcher of the study, Dariush Mozaffarian, an associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, suspects spud starch is the culprit.
"Overall, physiologically, potatoes, refined grains and sugars are all likely equally detrimental for weight gain," Mozaffarian said. "In other words, calorie for calorie, there is little difference between eating a potato, cornflakes, white bread or a bowl of table sugar."
The claim didn't sit well with Idaho Gov. Butch Otter. Potatoes directly employ about 16,000 people in Idaho; about 40,000 may be indirectly employed.
"News flash: Regularly eating ANYTHING in an irresponsible way contributes to weight gain and other health concerns!" said Otter, a slender 69-year-old rancher and rodeo competitor.
The American Frozen Food Institute, based in suburban Washington, also criticized the report.
"We get into some very murky waters when we begin labeling foods -- particularly vegetables -- as being good and bad," said Corey Henry, an institute spokesman. "In our estimate, there isn't any such thing as a 'bad' vegetable."
