Purple potatoes that contain high levels of antioxidants could help to lower blood pressure in people with obesity, according to new research. The study – published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry – reports to be the first of its kind to investigate the effects of potato consumption on blood pressure.
The research team, led by Dr Joe Vinson from the University of Scranton, USA, found that two small helpings of purple potatoes (Purple Majesty) a day decreases blood pressure by about 4 percent in obese people – without causing weight gain. Vinson and his colleagues said that the decrease, although seemingly small, is sufficient to potentially reduce the risk of several forms of heart disease.
