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Adults with diabetes reap heart-health benefits from baked potatoes, new research reveals

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Adults with diabetes reap heart-health benefits from baked potatoes, new research reveals

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Baked potatoes could be just the food to boost heart health among adults with diabetes, a new study suggests.

Research recently presented by Neda Akhavan, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), revealed a modest decrease in fasting blood glucose levels, as well as improvements in body composition, waist circumference and resting heart rate among study participants who incorporated a daily serving of potato into their diets.

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“We wanted to look at a [particular] food that was highly stigmatized, such as a potato,” Akhavan told Fox News Digital in a video interview from her office at UNLV.

WHITE POTATOES VS. SWEET POTATOES: NUTRITION AND HEALTH EXPERTS CHIME IN ON WHICH IS BETTER

The clinical trial, funded by the Alliance for Potato Research and Education, took place when Akhavan was working at Florida State University in Tallahassee.

“A lot of people [with Type 2 diabetes] tend to think they shouldn’t eat carbs or especially starchy carbohydrates like potato,” Akhavan said.

UNLV assistant professor Neda Akhavan, PhD, holds baked potatoes in her hands. She recently presented her findings on the health benefits of baked potatoes for adults living with Type 2 diabetes. (Becca Schwartz/UNLV)

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American Diabetes Association guidelines, however, advise against cutting carbs completely. Instead, carbs should be consumed in moderation.

All 24 participants of the study group were given a pre-made baked potato with the skin measured to 100 grams, with only 20 grams of carbohydrates, and a comparable portion of white rice with the same number of calories and carbohydrates, Akhavan said.

BEST AND WORST FOODS FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES TO MAINTAIN GOOD HEALTH

The trial lasted for 12 weeks — that’s the minimum time needed to observe changes in indices of glycemic control and cardiometabolic health, said Akhavan.

Participants were allowed to add herbs or spices or up to half a tablespoon of butter, Akhavan said, but they were told not to fry their potatoes.

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Participants of a recent clinical trial were allowed to add butter, herbs and spices to their baked potatoes. (iStock)

The study is believed to be the first of its kind to measure scientifically the cardiovascular benefits of potatoes for adults with diabetes, Akhavan said.

“We even looked at vascular health,” she added. “We didn’t see any significance.”

INTERMITTENT FASTING LINKED TO HIGHER RISK OF HEART-RELATED DEATH IN NEW STUDY

The “biggest takeaway” from the research, which has yet to be published, is “changing our idea about potatoes,” Akhavan said.

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“There were no harmful effects,” she said. “And that is, I think, a very significant outcome.”

New research reveals that baked potatoes can help the hearts of diabetics. (iStock)

Akhavan’s research was specific to the baked potato only.

“Boiling a potato is quite different than baking it, even though you’re applying heat,” Akhavan said. 

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“But there is some potential loss of even that resistant starch, which is that beneficial fiber, that could happen with boiling potatoes. Once again, I think the biggest thing is not frying it or adding [lots] of fats.”

Eating the skin, she said, is “a really important part of it as well.”

Eating the skin of a baked potato is “a really important part” of boosting a diabetic’s heart health, according to new research.  (iStock)

The American Diabetes Association declined to comment on the study, but it noted the seven recognized meal patterns that are recommended for people with diabetes.

“We encourage people living with diabetes to consult with their health care team about what meal pattern might work well for them based on their particular health needs and goals,” the association told Fox News Digital in an email.

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Akhavan said she is hoping to be able to conduct large-scale clinical trials in the future.

For now, though, she is encouraged by the results.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

“We shouldn’t shy away from a potato, even those who are diabetic.”

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Alaska

Alaska High School Girls Basketball 2026 ASAA State Championship Brackets – March 10

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Alaska High School Girls Basketball 2026 ASAA State Championship Brackets – March 10


The 2026 Alaska high school girls basketball state championships begin this week, and High School On SI has brackets for all four classifications.

The brackets will be updated with scores and matchups throughout the week.

All four classifications will play their state championship games at Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.

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The 1A and 2A championships run March 11-14. Classes 3A and 4A play the following week, March 18-21.

Alaska High School Girls Basketball 2026 State Championship Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – March 10

3/11 – Shaktoolik (1) vs. Arlicaq (16)

3/11 – Kake (8) vs. Tri-Valley (9)

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3/11 – Fort Yukon (4) vs. Andreafski (13)

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3/11 – Sand Point (5) vs. Napaaqutgmiut (12)

3/11 – Scammon Bay (2) vs. Nunamiut (15)

3/11 – Akiuk Memorial (7) vs. Newhalen (10)

3/11 – Davis-Romoth (3) vs. Cook Inlet Academy (14)

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3/11 – Hoonah (6) vs. Shishmaref (11)


3/12 – Seward (1) vs. Chevak (8)

3/12 – Metlakatla (4) vs. Cordova (5)

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3/12 – Craig (2) vs. Susitna Valley (7)

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3/12 – Glennallen (3) vs. Degnan (6)


3/18 – Barrow (1) vs. Kotzebue (8)

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3/18 – Grace Christian (4) vs. Galena (5)

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3/18 – Monroe Catholic (2) vs. Delta (7)

3/18 – Mt. Edgecumbe (3) vs. Kenai Central (6)

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3/18 – Mountain City Christian Academy (1) vs. North Pole (8)

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3/18 – Colony (4) vs. West (5)

3/18 – Bartlett (2) vs. Juneau-Douglas (7)

3/18 – Wasilla (3) vs. Service (6)


More Coverage from High School On SI



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Arizona

WATCH: How Helping One Woman provides hope and support with ‘Girl’s Night Out’

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WATCH: How Helping One Woman provides hope and support with ‘Girl’s Night Out’


PEORIA, AZ — What if a simple dinner could help someone rebuild their life? In Peoria, a local chapter of Helping One Woman is doing just that by gathering once a month for a “Girls Night Out” with a powerful purpose.

Each month, women in the community nominate someone facing an unimaginable challenge: the loss of a spouse or child, a cancer diagnosis, or another life-altering hardship. That woman becomes the evening’s honoree.

At the dinner, attendees each contribute at least $10 and take part in raffles supported by local businesses. By the end of the night, the funds raised are gifted directly to the recipient to help with expenses during a difficult time.

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But organizers say the money is only part of the impact. The room full of encouragement, hugs, and shared support can be just as powerful.

ABC15’s Cameron Polom talked with the Peoria chapter president and two women whose lives were changed thanks to the group’s generosity. See the full Uplifting Arizona story in the video player above.

See more from Uplifting Arizona:





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Colorado

Colorado residents should prepare for Xcel power outages this week as fire danger surges, utility says

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Colorado residents should prepare for Xcel power outages this week as fire danger surges, utility says


Xcel Energy is warning its customers along the Front Range to be prepared for possible power outages this week as the risk of wildfire surges due to hot and dry weather.

“Due to the elevated risk of wildfire, enhanced powerline safety settings are active across out Front Range service territory,” according to a social media post from the utility. The settings make the powerlines more sensitive and prompt a line to stop the flow of electricity if an object touches a line.

The highest risk for wildfire danger will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday, when strong gusty winds are forecasted, according to the National Weather Service.

Humidity could be as low as 10% and winds may top 25 mph, leading to critical and extremely critical fire weather between Thursday and Saturday, forecasters said.

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Tens of thousands of customers have lost power in recent months from planned outages during fire danger and powerline damage from high winds.

In December, 86,040 Xcel customers lost power because of a mix of planned shutoffs and downed powerlines from high winds. The decision led some customers to criticize the utility, asking it to fine-tune its weather responses.

Some schools in northern Colorado schools preemptively canceled classes in January after Xcel announced a planned power shutoff for 9,000 customers in the area.



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