Mayo Healthletter Praises Russet Potatoes

Potato Growers of Idaho announced today that an article in a recent Mayo Clinic Healthletter, Vol. 22, No. 12, praises the Russet potato along with other foods for the anti-oxidant properties or phytochemicals that help prevent cancer.

Mayo reports that after a research effort, many fresh produce items have been found to have higher anti-oxidant-rich properties than others.

No. 1 on Mayo's list was Red dried kidney beans. They are listed as having 13,259 units per one-half cup. Pinto beans came in second with 11,864 units in one-half cup.

Others rating high included blueberries, blackberries, dried prunes, raspberries, strawberries, Red delicious apple, pecans, sweet cherries, and plums (4,118).

The Russet potato came in second from last with one cup of cooked product containing 4,649 units.