Potatoes, Glycemic Index, and "White Foods" - Friend or Foe for a Lean-Body?

By: Mike Geary, Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer

I'd like to start a little discussion today about carbohydrates... and in particular, "white foods" as well as potatoes. One reason I wanted to mention this is because so many health and fitness professionals trash talk potatoes about being a bad carbohydrate choice because of the high glycemic index. Some even say such ridiculous things as "avoid any and all white carbohydrates".

Ok, now while I certainly agree that white bread and refined white sugar are two of the worst things we can be feeding our bodies, I definitely don't agree with avoiding any and all "white carbohydrates". Now I know all of the buzz lately has been about colorful foods and the protective antioxidants that they contain. They tell you to focus on colors and stay away from white.

It's true that colorful foods are great, but it is a big mistake to specifically avoid white foods! There are plenty of white foods that have specific nutrients that are hard to find elsewhere. Let's look at a few examples...

Onions & Garlic

What about onions and garlic? They are both white and they are chock full of protective phytonutrients, vitamins, and trace minerals that aren't easy to find elsewhere in a normal diet... such nutrients as allicin, quercetin (an important flavonoid), chromium, and other unique anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Cauliflower

Another example of something white that is great for you is cauliflower. Cauliflower is loaded with vitamin C, fiber, minerals, and special compounds such as glucosinolates and thiocyanates, which are specifically abundant in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. And a little-known fact is that some of the compounds in cruciferous vegetables help to combat other estrogenic compounds in our food supply and environment and can help prevent excess belly fat. So eat up on that cauliflower!

Mushrooms

Not many people realize this, but surprisingly, even white mushrooms have high levels of unique nutrients and antioxidants. White mushrooms are high in a couple types of antioxidants called polyphenols and ergothioneine.

Potatoes

Now that also leads us to another example - white potatoes (which by the way, can also be found in red, yellow, purple varieties, etc). Many health professionals claim that potatoes are a bad carbohydrate because they are thought to have a high glycemic index. First of all, if you've read my Truth about Six Pack Abs book, then you understand that glycemic index is not necessarily the most important factor in choosing your carbohydrates.

While a generalization can be made that most low glycemic index carbohydrate choices will help you lose body fat easier than high glycemic index choices, it is not all that it's cracked up to be. There are many other factors that determine how your body will react-to and process the carbohydrates you ingest, such as glycemic load and also how you combine the high GI food with other foods.

For example, using glycemic load as an example... it is known that watermelon has a high glycemic index. However, the glycemic load of a normal serving of watermelon is just way too low for your body to start packing on body fat just because you ate a high glycemic index fruit. You would have to eat such an enormous quantity of watermelon just to get enough grams of carbohydrates to have any negative glycemic effect, that it is just non-sensical.

Not to mention that watermelon is also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and lycopene. There's just no reason to avoid it simply because it has a high GI. My point is... candy bars, cupcakes, and donuts make you fat... NOT watermelons, carrots or potatoes.

Also, as i mentioned, food combinations are important in how your body processes the carbohydrates and the associated blood sugar and insulin response you receive. For example, if you mix a high glycemic index carbohydrate with an extra source of fiber, healthy fats, or even certain proteins, many times the blood sugar and glycemic response will be slowed down considerably by the way you combined the food. Again, I talk in detail about this entire topic in my Truth about Six Pack Abs book

Alright, so back to my point that white potatoes are actually a healthy carbohydrate as long as you eat them in the right form... with the entire skin, and please don't ruin them by deep frying them into french fries either! French fries are one of the most evil things ever invented for your health, but only because we ruin them by soaking them in a scorching bath of trans fats in the deep fryer from the hydrogenated oils that are typically used.

Keep in mind that potatoes contain so many vitamins and minerals that the list is way too long to even try. Also, as long as you eat the skins, you get a decent shot of fiber too.

On the topic of potatoes not being so bad after all, I don't remember where I saw this referenced, but I recently saw a particular study that had participants eat something like 7-9 whole potatoes per day for several weeks.

At the conclusion of the study, the potato eaters had actually consistently lost weight! I'd venture a guess that the reason the people lost weight is that they were probably so full from eating all of those damn potatoes, that they actually consumed less calories than normal! An average sized potato only has about 100-120 calories, and I can surely imagine you'd be full constantly from eating 7-9 potatoes each day.

Now I would never recommend going to those extremes, but my point is that an occasional potato is not going to hurt your efforts to get lean, especially if you combine it with some other fibrous vegetables and maybe a healthy fat and some protein. On that note, I have one of my favorite recipes for you, using potatoes.

Geary's Lean-Body Potato Side Dish

* Desired quantity of baby potatoes (I like to use this mixture I found recently at a health food store... it is a mixture of white, red, yellow, and purple baby potatoes)
* 1 red pepper
* 1 green pepper
* 1 yellow pepper
* 1 or 2 onions
* a couple cloves of garlic, finely chopped
* 1 or 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
* a little salt and pepper to taste (I like using a sea salt instead of normal commercial salt)

Cut the baby potatoes into slightly smaller pieces and place in a steamer until soft all the way through. Slice up the peppers and onions into strips and add with the chopped garlic into a pan with the olive oil. Cook the peppers, onions, and garlic until tender, and then add the steamed baby potatoes. Stir it all together and serve. This is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes great with chicken or red meat.

I hope you've enjoyed this little topic today about potatoes, healthy carbohydrates, glycemic index, and my killer potato recipe idea!

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Preventing Osteoarthritis

If you have a family history of osteoarthritis then you have a higher chance of developing the disease yourself. Besides genetic predisposition, osteoarthritis can be present in those who are overweight or those who routinely put stress on the particular joint. Injury is also a culprit.

Osteoarthritis affects the joints in the body, most commonly the spine, hips, knees, feet and hands. It is caused by the wearing down of cartilage between these joints, causing bones to rub together. This causes discomfort and a decrease in mobility to the area.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 21 million people in the United States. It can be caused by a number of factors. While it is more frequently found in those over 45, it can occur in younger people. Under 45, men are more likely to develop the disease than women, while over 45 women are more likely to develop it than men.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the onset of the disease, and it's easier than you think. It's about taking care of your body, which hopefully you're doing already as good health is the key to combating any form of disease, as well as education.

If you are overweight you are far more likely to develop osteoarthritis than someone who isn't. This is because the extra weight puts unnecessary stress on the joints. Keeping in shape also helps to prevent many other diseases, such as heart disease.

Keep fit, not only to keep your weight in healthy range but also to work your joints. Aerobic exercises that work as much of your body are especially important; they revitalize your circulatory system and keep your heart rate up, as well as keep your joints limber. Make sure not to over exert yourself, especially if you feel pain in a joint, as this may only cause to exacerbate the condition you are trying to prevent. Discuss with your doctor what kinds of exercises are best for you. Osteoarthritis in the hands is the most genetically predispositioned form of the disease, so if you are at risk ask your doctor if there is anything you can do.

Injury to the joints can also cause the onset of osteoarthritis. Be sure to wear protective gear, like wrist guards for instance, when deemed necessary.

There have been some foods and supplements that have been reported to decrease your chances of getting the disease. While some initial results have proved encouraging, studies are still continuing for conclusive results. None of the supplements have been reported to carry side effects though, and are part of a healthy lifestyle.

An anti-inflammatory is just what you're looking for. Anti-inflammatory properties can be found in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish like salmon or albacore tuna. Since our North American diet is severely lacking in fish on a regular basis, try an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement such as Omega Daily.

Early detection is important. If you feel a recurring pain in your joints, or a stiffness that won't go away, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find the best way to deal with the pain.

Prevent Hair Loss with Natural Nutrients

Are you losing your head because you're losing your hair? Although it's quite normal to lose a few strands daily, excessive hair fall can lead to bald patches and ultimately, baldness. This is especially true for men who, unlike women, are prone to baldness due to their genetic makeup. Testosterone, the same hormone which makes you feel manly and all, is the culprit. Once this hormone comes in contact with your hair follicles, it's converted into DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, which shrinks your strands and thickens your scalp. This reduces blood flow to your scalp and makes your strands unhealthy, thus, promoting hair loss.

Fortunately, not all men are doomed to this fate. According to Profollica.com, a well-known scientists have found out that men with reduced levels of DHT in their scalps experience minimal hair fall. This does not mean that they are less manly since they still produce normal testosterone levels. What this means is that they have DHT blockers in their scalps to prevent shrinking strands and thickening scalps. So before contemplating a sex change, picking out your future toupee, or considering follicle transplants, consider hair care systems with natural nutrients and vitamins which act as DHT blockers to prevent hair loss.

Nutrients and Food Sources that Prevent Hair Loss

1. Zinc

One of the most popular hair loss prevention minerals is zinc. Studies show that severe deficiency of this mineral leads to baldness and other scalp problems. People with reduced or less-than-normal amounts of zinc in their bodies usually experience excessive hair fall and premature graying. This mineral is also valuable for minimizing the effects of stress which promotes excess DHT production.

As it's, eating zinc-rich foods or taking a mineral supplement can effectively minimize hair fall. Some food sources rich in zinc include the following: wheat germ, egg yolks, spinach, whole grains, mushrooms, and red meat. However, care should be taken in eating these or taking supplements. A daily does of zinc over 12 mg can cause decreased iron absorption and anemia.

2. Biotin

A component of the B complex group, Biotin is often referred to a Vitamin H or hair vitamin. This is because it promotes hair growth while preventing loss. It metabolizes fatty acids which fuel the growth and repair of hair follicles, thus reducing breakages caused by DHT. It also staggers the premature aging of the hair strands by keeping them moisturized and nourished. Excellent sources of Biotin are cooked eggs, milk, liver, kidney, and yeast. Although no exact amount is pegged as the ideal dose of Biotin, its sources are high in fat which can cause other health problems.

3. Protein

Hair is almost 90% protein so it makes sense that this nutrient is among the top hair regrowth agent. Shampoos and conditioners list protein, or at least its derivatives, as their main ingredients. But protein does not boost hair regrowth, it only strengthens the strands to help them endure combing, styling, and heat exposure -- added stress which aggravates DHT production. With its ability to increase strand thickness by as much as 45%, protein, in regulated amounts, is the most common solution to thinning hair. Common sources for this nutrient include red meat, legumes, milk, and eggs.

As good as protein is for your hair, it needs to be taken carefully because excesses of this nutrient promotes fat intake and dehydration. Increased fatty acids can boost oil production in the scalp which can block and weaken hair follicles. Likewise, dehydration will cause hair to become brittle and dry.

4. Vitamin A

Retinol, carotenoid, or carotene -- this terms only mean one thing: Vitamin A. Unknown to many, this popular vision enhancer is also our hair's best friend. It's an antioxidant that promotes healthy sebum production in your scalp. It allows your hair to produce just the right amount of oil to moisturize the strands but not too much that it blocks the pores in your scalp. Normal sebum production is equal to less chances of DHT damage. Sources for this vitamin includes yellow or orange vegetables, leafy greens, milk, fish oils, and meat. However, doses exceeding the daily requirement of 2,500 IU can be toxic and cause health problems.

5. Vitamin E

Since blood circulation aids in hair growth, an antioxidant which promotes this is necessary. Vitamin E works well for this even though it's more popular as an anti-aging nutrient. Aside from promoting healthy blood flow, Vitamin E also reduces the appearance of graying hair , another effect of DHT, hence, making you look young and your hair, thick. Cold-processed vegetable oils, soybeans, leafy greens, dried beans, and nuts are excellent sources of this nutrient. As good as it's, you should be careful in consuming E-rich foods since it can increase high blood pressure. The recommended dose for this one is 400 IU.

Growing Your Hair Safely Using Natural Hair Supplements

Although it's good to try to prevent or treat hair loss by eating naturally healthy food, there is always the danger of consuming too much vitamin and mineral sources. Instead of alleviating your less-than-hairy problem, you might end up with more dangerous side effects. This is the problem spotted by makers of hair care systems. Instead of risking your hair further, you can opt to use specially-formulated hair supplements.

One of the leading hair treatment systems today is Profollica which is made from all-natural DHT blockers. Its website, Profollica.com lists natural ingredients like Kigelia Africana, Salvia Sclarea, and Panax Ginseng Root extracts -- proven effective hair loss retardants -- as its main ingredients. These herbs are effective in maintaining healthy hair and preventing its loss. It provides the needed nutrients like vitamins and minerals and other organic ingredients which further improve hair regrowth. By using a natural hair loss treatment system like Profollica, you get the benefit of healthy strands minus the side effects.