Increased Potato Consumption Could Heighten The Risk Of High Blood Pressure, New Study Reveals

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School have discovered that consuming high potato intake could increase the risk of high blood pressure or hypertension in both men and women.

Medscape reports that the study was published in BMJ. The study involved 187,000 men and women that were part of the three large U.S. studies for over 20 years. The researchers combined the outcome of the three studies. There was also a questionnaire that was used to look at people's diets intake. This included how often the participants consumed potatoes and in which form whether boiled, baked or mashed in the first category. In the second category were the potato crisps and the potato chips. Meanwhile, the reports of high blood pressure were constructed on the diagnoses of the healthcare professionals.

The outcome showed that in women, eating four or more servings each week of baked, mashed or boiled potatoes could trigger an increased risk of high blood pressure but not in men. On the other hand, higher intake of potato chips could heighten the risk of high blood pressure in both men and women. The potato crisps could not be linked to hypertension in both men and women.

Medical News Today states that potatoes contain the higher glycemic index that can trigger a spike in blood sugar just after the meal. The increase of sugar in the blood, which is also known as hyperglycemia has been linked to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. This explains the higher hypertension risk.

The researchers advise replacing a serving a day of baked, boiled or mashed potatoes with a serving of non-starch vegetables such as sweet corn, butter beans, sweet potatoes and peas. These could lower the risk of high blood pressure.

On the other hand, potatoes are considered vegetables. They contain a significant amount of vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B6, potassium and folate. They are also low in calories. The study indicates moderation in consuming potatoes.