STATES CHRONICLE – A group of scientist from the Institute of National Health has discovered that potatoes may lead to gestational diabetes. This is due to the fact that potatoes contain starch that when decomposed by the body becomes a new source of energy, just like glucose.

It appears that a high level on starch intake can have the same effects on a pregnant woman’s body as an intake of glucose-based foods. This is due to the chemical composition of starch. After consumption, the substance is decomposed by the body into a number of ingredients, among which we can find glucose. The process that is responsible for this is called enzymatic hydrolysis. Because it has sugar in its components, starch can be considered a source of energy.

In order to reach these conclusions, the scientists studied a sum of 15,000 women that were pregnant over a duration of 10 years. The women were asked to complete a health survey.

The conclusion of the survey was that potatoes may lead to gestational diabetes. Apparently, the women involved in the study that developed gestational diabetes had a habit of eating potatoes on a regular basis. This means 3 to 5 servings of potatoes in a week.

The percentage of women who consumed an increased level of starch and developed gestational diabetes was of a terrifying 50%. These results make potato consumption to be one of the primary culprits of gestational diabetes.

This kind of news is very bad because it will not just vanish as soon as the woman gives birth. The high amounts of glucose in the starch can cause an insulin deficiency, which is more commonly known as type 2 diabetes. This means that the liver is no longer able to produce sufficient amounts of insulin. A person that suffers from type 2 diabetes will be insulin dependent for the rest of the life.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should stop eating potatoes as of immediately. Two servings of the vegetable per week are more than enough and ensure a healthy nutritional pattern. The method of cooking is not that important, but a portion of mashed potatoes is always better than a serving of greasy French fries. Pregnant women shouldn’t forget about the risk of hypertension.

In conclusion, pregnant women can avoid pregnancy health complications such as diabetes if they are careful with the food that they eat. Specialists recommend fresh fruits and vegetables, all consumed in moderation, taking into account the fact that potatoes may lead to gestational diabetes.

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