Potatoes are good for you (and this is news?)

[Guest guest]

Potato health benefits discovered

 

The humble potato could lower your blood pressure

Potatoes may be healthier to eat than previously thought, after

scientists found them to contain chemicals which lower blood

pressure.

The independent Institute of Food Research says the chemicals, called

kukoamines, occurred naturally in many common types of potato.

 

Scientists at the Norwich institute stumbled upon the chemicals while

studying potatoes for other reasons.

 

They say boiling potatoes may preserve the health benefits better

than frying.

 

Sleeping sickness

 

 

The scientists were studying genetically-modified potatoes and

ordinary ones to compare their chemical make-up when they discovered

the kukoamines.

 

The say they knew the chemicals existed in some Chinese herbal

remedies but had not expected to find them in potatoes.

 

As well as being known to lower blood pressure, they are also used to

treat the disease known as " sleeping sickness " , which is widespread

in parts of Africa.

 

Producers of potatoes have welcomed the news.

 

One farmer told BBC News he could be growing potatoes for medicine in

future, as well as for eating,