The relationship between potatoes and type 2 diabetes has long been debated. While it’s known that potatoes contain several essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium, their high starch content also contributes to a higher glycemic index, potentially increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A recent study published in The BMJ sheds new light on this topic by investigating the association between different potato preparation methods and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Researchers analyzed data from over 205,000 health professionals across three large US studies conducted between 1984 and 2021. Participants were free of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer and completed detailed food questionnaires every four years. The study found that for every three weekly servings of total potato, the rate of type 2 diabetes increased by 5%. However, a similar intake of baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes was not associated with a significantly increased risk.

In contrast, eating French fries three times a week was linked to a 20% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Replacing total potatoes or baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes with whole grains lowered the type 2 diabetes rate by 8%. Substituting French fries with whole grains reduced the risk by 19%. On the other hand, replacing total potatoes or baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes with white rice increased the risk of type 2 diabetes.

This observational study highlights that the association between potato intake and type 2 diabetes risk depends on the specific foods used as replacement. The findings align with current dietary recommendations promoting whole grains as part of a healthy diet for preventing type 2 diabetes.

While baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes can be part of a healthy and sustainable diet, especially when prepared in moderation, it’s essential to consider preparation methods and replacement foods when guiding the public or informing policy. Future studies from diverse populations that account for both preparation methods and substitution analysis are needed to further understand this relationship and provide more tailored recommendations.

In conclusion, the French fry effect is a significant concern, but not all potatoes are created equal. By being mindful of our potato choices and making informed decisions about food substitutions, we can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and promote overall well-being.

The research published in Plants, People, Planet has discovered an innovative way to enhance the nutritional value of bread wheat using a specific type of fungus. Scientists found that by cultivating wheat with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, the grains grew larger and contained higher amounts of phosphorus and zinc compared to those grown without the fungus.

When researchers tested different types of wheat with and without the fungus, they noticed a significant improvement in nutrient content. The phosphorus-rich grain did not result in an increase in phytate, which can hinder digestion of zinc and iron. As a result, bread wheat grown with fungi had higher bioavailability of zinc and iron overall compared to that grown without fungi.

This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize sustainable agriculture practices by using beneficial soil fungi as a natural means to enhance plant nutrient uptake. According to Dr. Stephanie J. Watts-Williams, corresponding author of the study from the University of Adelaide in Australia, “Beneficial soil fungi could be used as a sustainable option to exploit soil-derived plant nutrients. In this case, we found potential to biofortify wheat with important human micronutrients by inoculating the plants with mycorrhizal fungi.”

Rhizophagus irregularis is a species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus that forms beneficial relationships with many types of plants. It helps these plants absorb more nutrients by extending its thin, root-like structures deep into the soil. This fungus has been widely studied and used in agriculture due to its broad compatibility with crops and ability to improve plant growth, health, and soil quality.

By boosting nutrient uptake naturally, R. irregularis supports more resilient plants and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. As such, it becomes a valuable tool in sustainable farming and reforestation efforts. This research not only opens doors to new possibilities but also highlights the potential for using beneficial fungi as an alternative solution to traditional agricultural practices.

The article provides valuable information about the scope of “PM 2.5” pollution in the United States but reveals that less is known about its even smaller cousin, “submicron” or “PM 1” particulate matter. The study published in The Lancet Planetary Health by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis aimed to quantify PM 1 over the past 25 years across America.

Randall Martin, a professor of energy, environmental and chemical engineering, emphasized that this measurement serves as a starting point for understanding which pollutants regulators could target to make the most effective health impact. The study found that the very small particles quantified generally come from direct air emissions or secondary processes when sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides are released through fuel combustion and burning coal.

The researchers calculated their submicron estimates based on known ratios of what makes up PM 2.5 particles, which include seven main components such as sulfate, nitrate, and mineral dust. This research sets the stage for further analysis of where, how, and why certain types of particles congregate, and how they can affect the environment and human body.

The study also revealed that pollution regulation does help. Average PM 1 levels in the air people breathe dropped sharply from 1998 to 2022, thanks to decades of environmental regulations like the Clean Air Act. However, this progress has slowed since 2010, mainly because of rising wildfire activity.

Other countries like China have a head start tracking nationwide PM 1, but now the U.S. can quickly catch up with this new dataset offering unprecedented information for the United States about an important pollutant for which few other measurements exist.

The article concludes that future pollution controls will need to address emerging, non-fossil fuel sources, and that working with epidemiologists to assess the association of PM 1 with health outcomes is a next step in this research.