DURBAN - SEPTEMBER is heart-awareness month and Claire Julsing, dietitian, is advising households to consume a healthy diet that includes potatoes to help protect them from the fatal combination of Covid-19 and heart disease.
“It is key for households to understand that provided they are cooked and eaten correctly, powerhouse vegetables such as potatoes are essential for protecting yourself against the deadly combination of Covid-19 and heart disease,” said Julsing.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa about 225 South Africans lose their lives daily because of heart disease.
“The pandemic has disrupted the levels of physical activities because people had to stay home to combat the spread of the virus. The decline in physical activity has henceforth contributed to a remarkable amount of weight gain and that has increased the risk of heart disease and strokes,” said Julsing.
She also put forth that there were still a lot of misconceptions about potatoes, and that people need to know that potatoes have a lot of fibre and nutrients including potassium that help lower the risk of having heart disease.
“Notably, potassium is a crucial ally in the struggle against high blood pressure – a major risk factor for heart disease and strokes. For example, sobering Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa statistics reveal that high blood pressure causes 13% of all deaths globally, while in South Africa, it is responsible for as many as one in every two strokes and two in every five heart attacks.”
Julsing said potatoes offer more potassium than any other vegetable, and they help relax blood vessels while improving blood circulation. When the blood circulation improves, the blood pressure is lowered while subsequently supporting good muscle health including your heart muscle.
Additionally, potatoes are also known to be naturally cholesterol-free because they have zero-saturated fats and are low in sodium and their high fibre content aids in actively lowering cholesterol.
They are a source of vitamin C, vitamin B6 and a variety of phytonutrients. Studies have shown that these also aid in supporting heart and consuming potatoes prevents heart disease.
“To maximise the health benefits of potatoes, carefully consider your cooking method. Rather than frying, opt for a heart-healthy choice such as boiling, baking, air frying, or lightly brushing the potato with oil and roasting it.”
“Carefully consider any toppings: avoid adding unhealthy salt, butter or cheese, and instead look to tasty alternatives such as garlic and fresh herbs, or a dollop of pesto or sundried tomatoes. A potato’s skin contains a huge amount of fibre and potassium, which is exactly why the Heart and Stroke Foundation has endorsed boiled, skin-on potatoes as a heart-healthy food.”
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