Dec 16, 2019Weight Watchers recognizes potatoes as ‘ZeroPoints’ food
Weight Watchers, now called WW, has given potatoes the coveted “ZeroPoints” classification for one of its weight-loss plans, meaning they don’t require tracking by member dieters.
The change was highlighted by registered dietician Sally Kuzemchak in a WebMD blog titled, “Potatoes are making a comeback.” Kuzemchak also noted that the Whole30 diet program returned potatoes to its list of accepted foods.
Of course, as with any vegetable, how potatoes are cooked matters in the eyes of the creators of the aforementioned diet plans. Roasted, baked and boiled are acceptable. French fries and chips don’t get the same classification, however.
“White potatoes are no nutritional slouch, but some other varieties have unique perks,” Kuzemchak wrote. “Red and purple potatoes, for instance, owe their hues to a natural plant compounds called anthocyanins. Those work as antioxidants in the body, guarding cells from the kind of damage that lead to disease. Some research shows that anthocyanins may reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
“Potatoes in general have another special power: When they’re cooked and cooled (like in potato salad), they become rich in resistant starch, a kind of carbohydrate that can help you feel fuller and boost the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut.”
Top photo: Varieties of potatoes on display at the Colorado Certified Seed Potato Growers Association booth at Potato Expo 2019.
