Ireland: Humble spud will be downgraded under new healthy eating guidelines

The humble potato – for generations our staple food – is being downgraded in the new national guide to a balanced diet. The food pyramid is set for a major overhaul based on old and new science. Carbohydrates including bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and cereals will be overtaken for the first time by fruit and vegetable as the recommended biggest staple of our daily diet. The pyramid suggests the correct amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals we should be eating daily to maintain good health. Potatoes are a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamin C, some B vitamins and trace minerals. But they are no longer an essential ingredient of our daily dinner and face competition from pasta and rice. More