High blood pressure: this £2 vegetable could slash hypertension risk

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects about 25 per cent of all UK adults, according to the NHS. The condition puts extra stress on blood vessels and vital organs. Having high blood

pressure increases your risk of having a heart attack, a stroke, or developing heart disease. But, adding purple potatoes to your diet could slash your risk of hypertension, scientists have

claimed. Purple potatoes are packed full of antioxidants that could contribute to a lower blood pressure, according to US scientists. Nutritionist Dr Josh Axe added: “Trying to make sure you

get a wide variety of colours in your diet? “You’ll probably enjoy trying out the vibrant purple potato. “Loaded with antioxidants, including anthocyanin pigments that give this sweet

potato its colour, purple potatoes help significantly lower blood pressure.” Purple potatoes could also help to prevent blood clots, research has revealed. Rich in fibre, the potatoes could

also help to eliminate constipation and bloating. Other great foods to help lower blood pressure include spinach, coriander, and pistachios. Dark chocolate could also prevent hypertension,

as it’s rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. The only way if knowing if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked, the NHS said. But, in extreme cases, symptoms of hypertension

can include headaches, chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, and finding blood in urine. You can lower your blood pressure by cutting back on the amount of salt you eat. Regular exercise, and

losing weight if you’re obese, could also help to prevent hypertension.