Potato has been included among the foods "blamed" for the global obesity epidemic. Recently, however, an independent research team published a comparative analysis documenting its benefits to human cardiovascular health. Health.in.gr spoke with Lucille Celis, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Mc Cain, a global leader in potato products.
The results of the study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Amsterdam, came as a surprise to both media representatives and the public. The question therefore arose as to whether the study was independent or funded by food companies such as Mc Cain.
Ms Cellis clarifies that Professor Davignon, who heads the research team, is an independent researcher and has not been influenced in any way by Mc Cain in his findings and scientific judgments.
The aim of the study was to make potatoes that are misunderstood foods, due to their energy load and nutritional composition, but also their contribution to our health, in general, to better understand their value and their products in overall human health. , but also to dispel the myths that surround it. Mc Cain's involvement is limited to its commitment to assist scientific research through its support of The Fondation Cœur et Artères.
"Professor Davignon, lead author of the review, reviewed 84 published scientific articles on the health benefits of potatoes. This is the first time such an extensive review of existing scientific data on the potato and its effect on our health. Although more clinical trials are needed to confirm the findings of the review highlighting the cardiovascular health benefits of potatoes, it is important to note that the study demonstrates that potatoes have very high nutritional benefits.
It is a food with high nutritional density and low energy density. Review shows that potatoes provide several essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium and fiber, as well as a dozen other nutrients that are essential for our lives. Boiled potatoes contain more potassium than bananas, more vitamin C than oranges and more fiber than apples. Potatoes naturally contain more resistant starch, which has the properties of fiber, thus improving digestion. French or non-fried potatoes are one of the most important contributors to the intake of antioxidants, due to their higher volume compared to other vegetables with high antioxidant properties, such as spinach and broccoli. Nevertheless, smaller quantities of potatoes are eventually consumed by humans. Potatoes are the fourth most important source of protein for immediate consumption after wheat, rice and corn. The protein content of the potato, although small, is of the same quality as the soy consumed mainly by vegetarians in order to avoid protein deficiency. The biological value of the potato is between 90 and 100, while that of the soybean is 84 and that of the beans 73. ", notes Ms. Selis.
Despite the fact that we are used to thinking that food companies have profit as their main goal, McCain CSR Vice President emphasizes the need for modern companies to coexist with scientific research so that the public has access to healthy food.
"It is part of our company's corporate responsibility to participate in efforts aimed at improving the nutritional profile of its products and to help people better understand how to manage diseases that are clearly related to diet and lifestyle in general. "Good nutrition" and "health" are fundamental values of our activities. In our effort to develop new products, we work closely with consulting teams, creating a mix of internal and external experts, who support the innovation of new products at a scientific level. For example, Professor Anton Haverkort, PhD (Plant Research International - Wageningen University and Research Center in the Netherlands) has been a McCain Fellow in potato varieties and agronomic research for many years.
When it comes to our diet, our goal is to keep things as simple as possible. Most of our products are made from only two ingredients, potatoes and sunflower oil. We use only natural ingredients, the same ones that consumers would use in their kitchen. Our products do not contain artificial preservatives, colors or flavor enhancers. The way we produce McCain potatoes is also simple. We take whole potatoes, peel them and cut them, fry them for a while in sunflower oil, freeze them and pack them. We only need 90 minutes to make the potatoes in the products you know and find in the points of sale. In addition to simplicity, we also want our products to be as healthy as possible.
Creating nutritious foods is one of our dominant commitments today, given the obesity epidemic and diet-related diseases. And it is at this point that the pies and especially the fries acquire a bad reputation.
Although we are not here to promote our products but to let the world understand the true value of potatoes in nutrition, it is a good opportunity to express our commitment to working closely with the medical and scientific community so that our activities and our investments should always be identified with the good of the consumer, society and the environment. As concerns about food safety and corporate accountability grow worldwide, the nutritional value of food must also be related to its environmental aspects. And this is where the potato, the 4th most important crop in the world, plays a crucial role.
Mc Cain has been fully committed to potatoes since its inception and has worked closely with producers for more than 50 years to improve its cultivation, harvesting and storage so that consumers can enjoy what it stands for. their favorite potato and its nutritional value. While progress in these areas is our first priority, little is known about the company's investments and efforts in this area. Today, for the sake of clarity and encouragement of such efforts, Mc Cain shares her achievements and know-how.
Potato is a crop that performs very well when it comes to responsible use of soil, water and nutrients. Potatoes can be grown anywhere, no matter how harsh the climate or soil difficulties, and there are constant improvements to always ensure responsible cultivation and supply to consumers of humble yet very nutritious food. Potato is a food that can meet the challenges of an environment where clean water is scarce and where the nutritional needs of the population must be met but with respect for the environment. "No other crop can grow in such different climates and soils or with a limited supply of water as the potato, compared to other mass-produced foods."
It is worth noting that Mc Cain, for many years, has been reforming its products, both in sales and food distribution channels, to offer reduced saturated fat and salt. Since 1995 they have removed trans fats from a small number of products that contained them. In Europe, salt levels in Mc Cain products have dropped by an average of 40% since 2008. Since 2007, they have gradually launched a new blend of sunflower oil for cooking products. This has resulted in a 70% reduction in saturated fat compared to conventional frying oils. This practically means that today, while a Mc Cain french fries fried in a restaurant contains 8-10% of total fat, depending on the size and baked potatoes only about 5%, saturated fat has dropped to 1%.
After all, combining "economic performance with social mission" is one of Mc Cain's 6 key global strategies. The company's Corporate Social Responsibility program has 5 pillars:
1. Good agriculture: potato production with minimal impact on the environment
2. Good operation: reduction of the environmental impact of our production units.
3. Good food: ensuring that our products meet dietary guidelines and sharing the benefits of potatoes with everyone
4. Good cooperation: to be valuable partners to our shareholders, for the completion of our corporate success, to growers, suppliers, customers and societies
5. Good company for work: To be recognized as a good company for work, guaranteeing good working conditions for all employees, allowing them to evolve.