October 11/Dunedin, New Zealand/University of Otago -- It is believed that potatoes consumed in any form results in increasing weight or gives way to the condition of obesity. A recent study, conducted by the researchers from the University of Otago, reveals that a specific amount of potatoes indulged in the diet will not result in affecting the health of an individual.

Earlier, the research conducted by the Harvard University researchers stated that consuming potatoes, results in transformation of the starch in the body into glucose, which further increases the blood sugar levels. It is this rise in the blood sugar level that makes it difficult for the pancreas to reduce the level of sugar in blood thereby resulting increasing the appetite for food.

The researchers from the University conducted a research on the way the glycemic index (GI) evaluates the effect of carbohydrates on the blood sugar levels. According to the researcher of the study, Hayley Dodd, the GIs of 3 servings of food were examined. The meal constituted of chicken, peas, carrots, kumara and gravy, along with potatoes, white rice or spaghetti.

The research found that, the serving which constituted of starchy food like potatoes showed a total GI of 53, but was expected to surpass the medium range. Therefore, the research proves that despite potatoes being a high GI food, a small portion of it does not increase the blood sugar levels.

 From the October 11, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News.