Potatoes may reduce blood pressure without causing weight gain

2/10/2012

When people become obese, they increase their chances of developing a variety of conditions. For example, obesity has been associated with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and hypertension. When a person finds themselves with one of these disorders, employers end up feeling the burden of increased healthcare costs. Luckily, nurse practitioners at onsite clinics can help obese workers get back on track to become healthy.

Recently, a study found that two small helpings of purple potatoes a day can decrease blood pressure without causing weight gain. The report, which can be found in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, discovered that the potatoes can lower blood pressure by 4 percent.

The scientists said that although 4 percent seems like a small number, it's enough to potentially reduce the risk of heart disease.

Study participants ate six to eight small, microwaved purple potatoes twice a day. On average, diastolic blood pressure dropped by 4.3 percent and systolic pressure decreased by 3.5 percent, and none of the participants gained weight.

Of course, one important thing to remember is that preparing these potatoes by smothering them in butter will probably not garner the same positive results.

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