When it comes to potatoes, there are so many misconceptions attached to this root vegetable that it is mostly associated with weight gain and bad dietary habits. The myths are further perpetuated by the popularity of such fast food products like French fries, Potato fritters, etc. But potatoes are so ubiquitous to Indian cuisine that we tend to enjoy them often in different forms both at our homes and outside.
First imported to India by the Portuguese, potatoes can easily be referred to as one of the most loved Indian vegetable. You would be surprised to know that despite all the bad rep they get, potatoes can be pretty healthy for many different reasons including for those who dealing with high blood pressure levels.
Benefits of potatoes
Many health conscious people stay away from potatoes because of the many misconceptions attached to them. It is quite important to know that potatoes are rendered unhealthy only when they are deep fried or prepared in other harmful ways. Potatoes are not only about French fries and Potato chips.
Apart from being an excellent source of Vitamin C, they are also rich in fibre, potassium, and Vitamin B6, which makes them particularly good for your heart health. As potatoes also have anti-inflammatory properties, they can help you by providing relief from pain and ulcers. When prepared and eaten in the right manner, they can actually be one of the healthiest and tastiest vegetables that you can make a part of your regular diet.
Let’s see if eating potatoes has something to do with blood pressure levels.
Potatoes for regulating blood pressure
Certain nutritionists and health experts have come out in the favour of potatoes by suggesting that food items that are rich in potassium like potatoes should be eaten by those who suffer from high blood pressure levels. That is so because the potassium in potatoes can actually negate the many ill-effects of sodium. It is the excess of sodium levels that is responsible for exerting extra pressure on the walls of your blood vessels, and leads to a spike in your blood pressure. So, potatoes can actually be helpful in how their potassium component eliminates sodium through the urine.
Also, stress is often cited as another cause of high blood pressure levels. The flesh of potatoes contain an antioxidant called Tryptophan. Tryptophan has sedative properties and helps in making you stress free and calming your nerves down.
Healthy ways to consume potatoes
Now that we know that potatoes can be pretty healthy and help in regulating high blood pressure, it is significant that you consume them in a manner which would be good for you. It is best to avoid them when they are fried, processed, and covered with fatty toppings. You can instead prepare them in the form of a tasty soup, refreshing juice, baked low-sodium fries and chips, etc. Eat them, depending on the diet recommendations of nutrients and minerals available in them. It is not too difficult to find such recipes that would make for both a healthy and sumptuous potato preparation. Also, try out different kinds and colours of potatoes to derive the benefits of many antioxidants found in them.
