09/27/07 Potato Nutrition in the spotlight at WSU

From a dietary perspective potatoes get a bum wrap when in reality given their high antioxidant properties they could be the very thing that should be grated into a healthy "veggie wrap." Researchers at WSU feel certain colored potatoes are packed with antioxidants. They are so confident that they have developed a study to prove it. Funded by a grant of $114,000 from the Washington Potato Council over 40 non- smoking males ages 18-40 will be eating a daily dose of potatoes in a variety of recipes over the next two to three weeks while being monitored to see if their immune systems improve and their antioxidant levels increase. At the prospect of a free meal and $100 bucks it was easy to get young men to be a part of this potato study but it no amount of antioxidants could entice young women in a college town to increase their food intake. No matter, researchers have well over the number needed to show a statistical difference. Colored potatoes are in the spotlight at WSU and with favorable research results most likely will receive top billing in the produce section of grocery stores this winter.