Breakthrough spud offers Canadians important health benefits

Health-conscious food lovers now have more choice in the produce aisles, with the arrival of the Carisma potato from EarthFresh Farms. New to Canada and Ontario-grown, Carisma has been found to have a lower glycemic response (GR), meaning it does not cause the rapid spike in blood sugar that normally comes from eating carbohydrate-rich foods. Farmed from traditional seed and without the use of biotechnology, this non-GMO potato is a desirable choice for those seeking to control blood sugar levels, including people with (or at risk of) diabetes, athletes and those looking to lose or control body weight. “Glycemic response is reflective of the quality and quantity of carbohydrate in a food, which plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels,” says Jane Dummer, registered dietitian and author. “In addition to regular exercise and portion control, I recommend choosing foods that provide a lower glycemic response as part of an overall healthy dietary pattern. With the Carisma potato, now available in Canada, anyone watching their carbohydrate intake, including those living with diabetes, can have their potatoes and eat them too.” More