KUWAIT: A landmark scientific study by researchers from Harvard University, Cambridge University, and other leading institutions worldwide—featuring Kuwaiti researcher Dr Hala Al-Eissa with support from the Kuwait Heart Association—has revealed that the way potatoes are cooked, rather than the potatoes themselves, is the key factor influencing their link to type 2 diabetes.

Earlier research hinted at a possible association between potato consumption and diabetes risk but often lacked details on cooking methods or the impact of replacing potatoes with other foods. This new study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), analyzed decades of dietary data, distinguishing between preparation styles and substitution choices.

The findings show that eating French fries three times a week is linked to a 20 percent higher risk of type 2 diabetes compared to consuming them less than once a week. In contrast, boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes showed no significant risk increase. Researchers explained that the difference lies in preparation: baking, boiling, or cooking with the skin on are healthier methods, preserving nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. French fries, however, are typically cooked at high temperatures in unhealthy oils and salted heavily, creating harmful compounds.

Notably, replacing three weekly servings of French fries with whole grains—such as whole wheat, oats, brown rice, or quinoa—cut the risk of diabetes by up to 19 percent. Substituting all potatoes, including non-fried varieties, with whole grains reduced the risk by 4 percent. “Our results confirm that potatoes can be part of a healthy diet if prepared properly,” said Dr Al-Eissa, Assistant Professor at Kuwait University’s School of Public Health and researcher at Harvard’s Department of Nutrition. “French fries, however, remain a choice that should be limited as much as possible.”

Professor Walter Willett, who supervised the study, stressed that dietary guidelines should move beyond broad food categories. “Not all carbohydrates—and not even all potatoes—are equal,” he said. “Preparation and substitution matter greatly when shaping public health policies.”

The research analyzed data from more than 205,000 participants over nearly 40 years, making it one of the most comprehensive investigations into potatoes and diabetes risk. It was funded by respected bodies including the US National Institutes of Health, the British Medical Council, and, for the first time, the Kuwait Heart Association. Researchers believe that the Kuwait Heart Association’s partnership with global institutions like Harvard will pave the way for further collaborations, advancing nutrition-focused research and tackling chronic diseases in Kuwait.

KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health on Wednesday confirmed that 63 people have been hospitalized since Saturday due to alcohol poisoning caused by the consumption of methanol-contaminated drinks. Thirteen victims, all of Asian nationalities, have died. In a statement, the ministry said several patients remain in intensive care units, with medical teams performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on 31 cases.

Emergency dialysis was administered to 51 patients, while 21 individuals suffered permanent or temporary vision loss as a result of the poisoning. Authorities said coordination is underway between hospitals and security agencies to contain the situation, ensure proper medical response, and investigate the source of the contaminated drinks. All necessary medical and emergency measures are being implemented.

Methanol dangers

Methanol — a toxic alcohol used in industrial products such as antifreeze, solvents, and fuel — can cause severe poisoning if ingested, even in small quantities. Unlike ethanol, which is found in alcoholic beverages, methanol is not safe for human consumption. Symptoms of poisoning include headache, vomiting, blurred vision, seizures, and in severe cases, coma or death.

Health authorities have previously warned that illicitly produced alcoholic beverages may contain dangerous levels of methanol due to unsafe distillation processes. Past incidents in various countries have resulted in multiple fatalities and cases of permanent blindness. Kuwait strictly prohibits the production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages, and security forces have intensified efforts in recent years to curb smuggling and dismantle illegal brewing operations. — Agencies

KUWAIT: As part of the ongoing efforts by the General Administration of Customs to combat smuggling, customs inspectors at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing foiled an attempt to smuggle cigarettes out of the country.

When a vehicle arrived at the inspection area, the inspector did a routine check and didn’t find anything illegal inside except for 20 packs of cigarettes that were visible.

After inspecting the vehicle and passing it through an X-ray machine, abnormal densities were found in the four tires, and a manual inspection revealed 620 packs of cigarettes professionally hidden inside the tires.

 A report was filed on the incident, and the seized items and suspects were referred to the competent authorities to complete the remaining legal procedures against them.