People who avoid potatoes to reduce their carbohydrate intake can now try a new variety that’s touted to have a lower glycemic response than most potatoes, meaning it doesn’t cause the rapid spike in blood sugar that normally comes from eating carbohydrate-rich foods.
While controlling blood sugar is important for those with diabetes or at risk of developing the disease, there’s a health benefit for everyone, says Joanne Lewis, director of nutrition and diabetes education with the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) in Toronto.
The new Carisma potato variety, which is being grown in Waterdown, Ontario, will be available in limited quantities in select stores in eastern Canada this fall, says EarthFresh Farms, the grower and distributor of the spud.
“The nice thing about having a potato that’s low-glycemic index is that people lately have become more careful about the type of carbohydrate they consume, and potatoes sort of have been given a bad rap because it’s considered like a white starch,” says Lewis. “But having a low-glycemic index potato is kind of a win-win because you can still basically enjoy your potatoes.”
A food is designated low-glycemic if it is rated 55 or lower on a scale of 100 when compared to a standard—usually straight glucose or white bread. Testers look at the impact on blood sugars within a two-hour range from consumption in comparison to the standard.
“What that’s demonstrating is that the blood sugars don’t rise as much after consumption as if you were to have another food with a higher glycemic index, so there’s a lot of health benefits to low glycemic index,” says Lewis. “There's a lot of evidence around cardiovascular benefits—definitely for people with diabetes—satiety, and sustained energy.”
Foods with a low-glycemic response include pulses, such as lentils and dried beans and peas, as well as sweet potatoes, steel-cut oats, and grainy-type breads, says Lewis, adding a low glycemic index is part of the CDA’s nutritional standards.
“I think what we need to stay away from are the unhealthy carbs, and we should be eating more quality-type carbs. This low-glycemic index potato would be an example of a high-quality carbohydrate,” says Lewis.
Unhealthy carbohydrates can include white bread, highly processed cereals and some more traditional baking potatoes.
The Carisma potato, which is not genetically modified, originated in Joure, Netherlands. It has been grown from seed in that country as well as in Australia for at least five years.
Depending on seed yields, the Carisma will likely be grown next year in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and Prince Edward Island, EarthFresh Farms says.
A 5-ounce Carisma potato—a medium size—contains 70 calories, three grams of protein, three grams of fiber and 15 grams of carbohydrates. It’s also a good source of vitamin C and potassium, says Jane Dummer, a registered dietitian in Kitchener, Ontario. PEI Potatoes’ nutrition facts table says a regular medium potato has 100 calories.
Dummer has found people who can avoid spikes in blood sugar throughout the day by not eating foods high in refined carbohydrates and lacking fiber have better weight control, along with more energy and the ability to concentrate.
She says the starch molecules, which seem to be smaller and more resistant in the Carisma potato, affect its consistency.
“It’s got a little more creamy, melt-in-your-mouth feel, which really lends itself to mashing and making a spread out of it and making a pureed soup out of it,” says Dummer.
Carisma potatoes are being rolled out in select Longo’s, Sobeys, Metro and Whole Foods stores in Ontario.
The packaging bears the logo of the CDS, which means the product is consistent with the organization’s nutritional standards; EarthFresh Farms supports its work, says Lewis.
The diabetes association estimates 11 million Canadians are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, including those who are undiagnosed. Of those, 3.5 million are living with diagnosed diabetes and an estimated five to 10 percent of those with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes.
Source: CTV News