Potatoes help reduce the risk of hypertension

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A new study has shown the benefits of potatoes in preventing hypertension. Scientists compared how potassium obtained from boiled, baked potatoes, French fries and supplements affects blood pressure.

The results showed that the inclusion of boiled and baked potatoes in the diet best reduces sodium retention in the body. The effect was higher than from supplements. The systolic blood pressure of the intervention group decreased compared to the control group, which ate a standard Western diet without potatoes.

Scientists also found that French fries, the most caloric option for cooking potatoes, had no negative effect on blood pressure. blood pressure or blood vessel function.

“While much emphasis is often placed on reducing sodium intake to control blood pressure, this is only half the battle,” says Dr. Connie Weaver, the study's lead author. “Potassium plays an equally important role, and perhaps the ratio of potassium to sodium is most important in the context of diet.”