University of Scranton professor demonstrates purple potatoes can aide in lowering blood pressure.
Those spuds that just about anyone trying to lose weight cringes at for its association of being fattening. However, these purple spuds just may make the list of super foods.
Professor Joe Vinson, PhD, states he hopes this research will remake the potatoes image into a nutritional food.
In the study, had followed 18 men and women who were overweight or obese and hypertensive. They were asked to consume six or eight small (golf ball size) potatoes with lunch and dinner as part of their diet, total daily calories were 218. They consumed these potatoes for one month then returned to their normal routine.
After one month of consuming those spud their blood pressure remarkably decreased on average of diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) three to four percent and systolic blood pressure (top number) had decreased by three to five percent.
Even those participants that were on anti-hypersensitive medication had decreased blood pressure and none of them had gained weight.
Grant it white potatoes are very popular by those purple potatoes can be found more and more at farmer’s markets and grocery stores. Those spuds provide higher levels of polyphenol antioxidants which guard the body’s cells against free radical damage which can increase risk for disease.
Potatoes should be cooked in the microwave with skins on as were the potatoes in this study. The reasoning to consume the skin, most of the health boosting and blood pressure lowering chemicals are contained in the skin. Microwaving also preserves most of the good health benefits in the potatoes in comparison to using high temperatures to fry or roast.
Even when attempting to lose weigh the potato is healthy due to being naturally low in calories, cholesterol, sodium and fat. Along with the fact it contains a wealth of minerals and vitamins such as vitamin C an antioxidant which guards against cellular damage. The mineral potassium is also in those spuds which aid in balancing body fluids and counter-act likely blood pressure raising effects from a high sodium diet. The best part is they are loaded with fiber that makes you feel full and at the same time helps manage weight.
Past research on potatoes have revealed they contain phyto or plant chemicals much like those that are found in blood pressure medications.
In order to receive the most nutritional and health benefits and to have less calories try microwave, lightly sauté or mash.
The potatoes in the research were purple potatoes however; it is believe that all potatoes would yield the same results.
According to Cooking Light before you start loading items on your potato remember those toppings could have more calories then a six ounce sirloin steak. Here is their guide to that potato:
Small (1-3/4" to 2-1/2" diameter): 150 calories
Medium (2-1/4" to 3-1/4"): 190 calories
Large (3" to 4-1/4"): 325 calories
Extra-large (4-1/2" to 6"): 512 calories
Some toppings:
Salsa
Parmesan Cheese
Low fat sour cream (2 TBS)
Low fat ranch dressing
Reduced fat cheddar cheese (1 TBS)
United Kingdom scientists at the Institute for Food Research also found kukoamines compound which lowers blood pressure in potatoes. Not to mention its other health benefits such as cardiovascular protection, brain cell and nervous system activity and promotes athletic performance and endurance.
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