Potatoes for Health?

A small study found that people who ate potatoes twice a day had lower blood pressure without weight gain. The 18 people in the study were all overweight. They ate 6 to 8 purple potatoes twice a day for a month. The potatoes were baked in a microwave without toppings or oil. Blood pressure dropped by about 4%. Potatoes provide vitamins, fiber and potassium. But the way they are prepared may often counteract any health benefits. Scientists from the University of Scranton did the study. They reported the results August 31 at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting. Several online news outlets, including MSNBC.com and the Irish Times, wrote about the study September 1.