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Simple potato extract can control obesity

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Toronto: To the delight of potatolovers, researchers have found a

simple potato extract may limit weight gain from a diet which is high

in fatand refined carbohydrates.

The benefits of the extract are due to its high concentration of

polyphenols, a beneficial chemical component also found in fruits and

vegetables, said the scientists from McGill University in Canada.

"We were astonished by the results," said Luis Agellon, one of the

study's authors.

"We thought this can't be right – in fact, we ran the experiment again

using a different batch of extract prepared from potatoes grown in

another season, just to be certain," Agellon explained.

Popularly known for its carbohydrate content, the potato is also a

source of polyphenols.

While carrying out the study, the researchers fed mice an

obesity-inducing diet for 10 weeks.

As a result, the mice that started out weighing on average 25 grams

put on about 16 grams. But mice that consumed the same diet but with a

potato extract gained much less weight – only seven more grams.

"The daily dose of extract comes from 30 potatoes, but of course we do

not advise anyone to eat 30 potatoes a day," principal author of the

study Stan Kubow pointed out.

Although humans and mice metabolize foods in similar ways, clinical

trials are absolutely necessary to validate beneficial effects in

humans. Besides, the optimal dose for men and women also needs to be

determined, since their metabolisms differ.

The study appeared in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.

Credit:IANS

Kofi Oppong Kyekyeku

I am a Ghanaian Broadcast Journalist/Writer who has an interest in General News, Sports, Entertainment, Health, Lifestyle and many more.

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