Department of Health promotes potatoes
Potato Council has successfully demonstrated the significant health benefits of fresh potatoes to Government.
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These highlighted health benefits have resulted in a recommendation on the Department of Health ‘NHS Choices’ website. The site now lists potatoes in their skins as a good source of fibre, alongside wholegrains.
In addition, the ‘Change4Life’ website has doubled the number of potato-based recipes by including a range of inspiring and balanced meal ideas, supplied by Potato Council.
Featuring jackets, salads and curries, the appealing recipes can be downloaded directly from http://www.nhs.uk/change4life/ through the ‘recipe finder’ and ‘meal mixer’ tools in the Eat Well section. Complete with full nutritional information, the recipes showcase the versatility of potatoes and encourage families to incorporate them as a regular part of meal times.
Caroline Evans, Potato Council head of marketing and corporate affairs, said: “Health is a real focus for this year, as we look to dispel common misconceptions about potatoes. Having presented factual evidence which demonstrates that potatoes are both a nutrient-rich and sustainable product, the Government has taken a huge step in acknowledging the benefits they provide. This exciting development will give families reassurance and equip them with the knowledge that potatoes can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.”
The activity is part of Potato Council’s marketing strategy to inform and build relationships with opinion leaders, in order to promote the national crop and the efforts of the industry.
Public Health Minister Anna Soubry said: “Potatoes are classed as a starchy food and the Department promotes potatoes as an important part of a healthy balanced diet. They provide a great source of energy, fibre, vitamins and potassium in our diets.
“I am pleased that we have worked closely with the Potato Council to provide healthier recipes for families. Potatoes will continue to feature in our healthy eating recipes as part of the Government’s Change4Life campaigns, as well as on the NHS Choices website.”
Additional Potato Council activity to drive awareness for the health credentials of the crop (a naturally fat free source of fibre and vitamin B6) has included advertising across major food websites and social media sites, increasing traffic to the nutritional and recipe pages on www.lovepotatoes.co.uk.
