Researchers high blood pressure due to high potato consumption?

Too much potatoes increase blood pressure
The potato is one of the most popular foods in Germany. Those who suffer from hypertension, but should restrict the consumption rather. One study pointed out that increased potato consumption can increase blood pressure.

Do potatoes increase blood pressure and may even lead to hypertension? Brigham and Womens Hospital scientists, in their study, tried to find out what effects the consumption of potatoes has on our blood pressure. The scientists published their findings in the journal British Medical Journal (BMJ).

Study showed elevated scores when subjects ate excessively potatoes. (Image: Kurhan / fotolia.com)

Risk of hypertension increased by eleven percent
Potatoes have long been part of many people's diets. The tubers are cheap and tasty. But are potatoes also healthy or do they even harm our health? Scientists are now trying to clarify this question, noting that people who consume potatoes at least four times a week have an eleven percent increased risk of developing hypertension.

In addition, the researchers found that replacing a daily serving of potatoes (whether cooked, fried or mashed potatoes) with a portion of vegetables reduces our risk of hypertension by about seven percent.

Study examined the data of 187,000 subjects
Potatoes are a paradox because, on the one hand, they contain a high level of potassium, which leads to low blood pressure as a mineral, and on the other hand, have a high glycemic index, which causes our blood pressure to increase rapidly during consumption, the authors of the study explained. So far, however, no studies have been conducted on the effects of long-term consumption of potatoes on our health.

The researchers had analyzed the data from more than twenty years for their study. During this time, over 187,000 men and women were examined. None of the participants had elevated blood pressure at the beginning of the study, explains the lead author. Lea Borgi from Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. The subjects had to questionnaires about every four years, how often they consumed certain foods. Potatoes were categorized into three different categories: fries, potato chips, and plain potatoes, which were either cooked, baked, or pureed, adds dr. Borgi added.

Study does not detect increased hypertension risk from potato chips
Eating larger amounts of potatoes, whether cooked, baked, pureed or as chips, could be associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension, say the experts. This was true for both women and men.

Interestingly enough, however, the physicians were unable to establish a connection between the consumption of potato chips and the risk of hypertension. One limitation of the study, however, was that all participants had to detect and record their own blood pressure and potato consumption. The subjects could forget, for example, what they had eaten exactly or do not document their food exactly enough, explain the experts. In principle, however, the results are clear evidence of the relationship between potato consumption and blood pressure. (sb, as)