A Trusted Relationship: Potatoes, AHA, and ADA

More than a vegetable: why leading health organizations of American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association are standing behind the Idaho® potato with their certifications.

For decades, potatoes have been caught in the crossfire of diet culture, dismissed as empty carbs and nudged off the plate in favor of trendier alternatives. But the Idaho Potato Commission's meaningful partnerships with both the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association are telling a very different story. These aren't casual endorsements. They represent a shared commitment to evidence-based nutrition education and a mutual recognition that Idaho® potatoes, prepared thoughtfully, have a legitimate and well-supported place in a health-conscious diet. For consumers, that alignment carries real weight.

The nutritional case is straightforward. A medium Idaho® potato is naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free, and delivers more potassium per serving than a banana, a nutrient doctors consistently point to for its role in regulating blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health, in line with American Heart Association guidelines.

For those managing diabetes, preparation is the key variable. Boiling and cooling a potato converts a portion of its starch into resistant starch, which acts more like fiber and produces a gradual, manageable rise in blood sugar. Paired with lean protein and non-starchy vegetables, exactly as the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Plate Method recommends. A serving of Idaho® potatoes becomes part of a balanced, blood-sugar-friendly meal rather than a dietary concern.

What these partnerships ultimately affirm is something worth remembering: real, whole foods prepared with intention are still the foundation of good health. The Idaho® potato is affordable, widely available, and naturally rich in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. It is now recognized by the health authorities Americans trust most as a smart, nourishing component of a modern diet.

Bottom line: Prepared thoughtfully; baked, roasted, boiled, or steamed, the Idaho® potato doesn't just fit into a healthy lifestyle. It is actively supported by the AHA and the ADA.