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Shred them, and they\u2019ll send your blood pressure soaring.<\/p>\nShred them, and they\u2019ll send your blood pressure soaring.<\/p>\n
Dice them and you still won\u2019t be any better off. Because these are killer veggies.<\/p>\n
At least that\u2019s what \u201chealth experts\u201d have been saying for years.<\/p>\n
And they\u2019re wrong. Terribly wrong, actually, since this vegetable naturally lowers your blood pressure. <\/p>\n
What\u2019s more, contrary to popular opinion, eating this so-called \u201cjunk food\u201d veggie won\u2019t add pounds to your body.<\/p>\n
A new research study highlighting amazing blood pressure lowering abilities of the potato was presented at the 242nd annual National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Denver, Colorado.<\/p>\n
The results of the research revealed that consuming just a few spuds a day lowers blood pressure as effectively as oatmeal, without adding extra pounds.<\/p>\n
The study looked at 18 overweight\/obese individuals who suffered from high blood pressure.<\/p>\n
They were instructed to eat at least 6-8 purple potatoes with skins twice a day for one month.<\/p>\n
Study investigators explain that they used purple potatoes, because the color pigment is especially rich in powerful health boosting compounds, called phytochemicals.<\/p>\n
Throughout the study, researchers closely monitored the blood pressure of study participants. It showed that the average diastolic blood pressure measurement was reduced by 4.3% and systolic blood pressure reading dropped by 3.5 %.<\/p>\n
According to the study authors, none of the participants gained extra weight from daily potato consumption.<\/p>\n
Researchers discovered that certain compounds found in potatoes have a similar effect on the body as well-known ACE \u2013inhibitor medications, a leading blood pressure-lowering medication.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the researchers were able to identify in potatoes a unique group of phytochemicals, which also are found in spinach, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. The authors of the study believe that these unique phytochemicals also played an important role in blood pressure reduction.<\/p>\n
But don\u2019t rush to your nearest junk food restaurant to order an extra-large portion of French fries just yet!<\/p>\n
The study was done using whole potatoes cooked in the microwave with skins, without oils or any other types of fats.<\/p>\n
Most of us associate potatoes as having high carbohydrates, empty calories, a lot of fat.<\/p>\n
However, in reality, a potato that is prepared without oil, butter, margarine, or sour cream contains just 110 calories and plenty of vitamins, minerals and health-boosting phytochemicals.<\/p>\n
I am sorry to reveal the sad truth to French fry lovers, but the high cooking temperatures that are used to make \u201cAmerica\u2019s favorite food\u201d seem to destroy most of the healthy substances found in potatoes. What are left are fat, starch, and few minerals.<\/p>\n
Even though this particular study used purple potatoes, researchers strongly believe that white potatoes provide the same benefits. The studies supporting this belief are going to be conducted in the near future.<\/p>\n
You can find purple skin potatoes in larger food markets; however, you can enjoy the same benefits of white potatoes found all over the planet.<\/p>\n
I recommend baking, boiling, or steaming potatoes if you want to get the health benefits.<\/p>\n