Experts defend bashed potato They say tuber's bad reputation is
overstated, linked to frying Is it the potatoes or the sauce and
grease on the potatoes that makes them unhealthy? (Chris
Walker/Chicago Tribune) Potatoes weren't the only foods
associated with weight gain in the Harvard study. Increased
servings per day of sugar-sweetened beverages, unprocessed red
meats, processed meats, and sweets or desserts over four years
led to an average weight gain of 1 pound, 0.95 pounds, 0.93
pounds and 0.41 pounds, respectively. Van Horn says the study
documents where people are getting their calories rather than
comparing which foods cause more weight gain if consumed in
equal amounts. Calories in french fries add up, she said, but so
do double burgers and several servings of soda, common fare in
fast-food restaurants. "The french fry in and of itself might be
an indicator of an eating pattern that's not consistent with
weight control," Van Horn said. Rather than vilifying the
potato, the message of the study should