Is It Safe For High Blood Pressure Patients To Have Potatoes? Here’s The Answer

Hypertension Diet: Potassium negates ill effects of sodium, thereby regulating blood pressure spikes. Potatoes, if prepared and consumed the right way, could also do wonders to keep your blood pressure levels in check.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition wherein the pressure of blood against the walls of the blood vessels is constantly elevated and this condition requires special care when it comes to diet. Would you believe potatoes were not part of the Indian cuisine before the 16th century? It was only when the Portuguese arrived to India, that we were introduced to this peculiar vegetable and its sheer versatility. Since then we have used potatoes in our gravies, curries, rice dishes, halwas, street food, parathas, fries and what not! The Portuguese import became India’s favourite veggie and there has been no looking back ever since. The moment we think about potatoes, our mind instantly conjures a treat that is laden in oil or spices. But the truth is that the infamous reputation of potatoes is a tad unfair. Blood pressure is measured in ‘millimetres of mercury’ (mm Hg) and is written as two separate numbers. The first number or the systolic number measures the pressure inside the arteries when heart muscles contract. The second number measures the pressure in the arteries when the muscle is resting between heartbeats.

It is true that it is one of the most carbohydrate-dense vegetable known, but it is also one of the healthiest foods you can add to your diet. It is packed with vitamin C, fibre, potassium, B vitamins, copper, tryptophan, manganese and eye-health boosting lutein. Being alkaline in nature, it also helps rid your body from excess toxins. Its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve pain and ulcers. Potatoes, if prepared and consumed the right way, could also do wonders to keep your blood pressure levels in check.