Too much intake of potatoes increases risk of high blood pressure, says study
Posted on: 31/May/2016 9:46:57 AM
A new study published in the BMJ has said that high consumption of potatoes raises the risk of having high blood pressure. The study found that higher intakes of boiled, baked or mashed potatoes and French fries is associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) in adult women and men. The study was conducted by researchers at the Brigham and Women`s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
The researchers have suggested replacing one serving a day of boiled, baked or mashed potatoes with one serving of a non-starchy vegetable is associated with a lower risk of developing hypertension.
Over 187,000 men and women from three large US based studies were followed for more than 20 years. Using a questionnaire, their dietary intake was assessed. The intake included frequency of potato consumption. The researchers have said that the high glycemic index of potatoes can trigger a sharp rise in blood sugar levels and this could be one explanation for the findings.
According to the researchers, (Our) findings have potentially important public health ramifications, as they do not support a potential benefit from the inclusion of potatoes as vegetables in government food programs but instead support a harmful effect that is consistent with adverse effects of high carbohydrate intakes seen in controlled feeding studies.
