Why potatoes are good for your heart …
DID YOU KNOW: Potatoes help fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
Heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading causes of death, claiming 17,5 million lives each year.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA), living a healthy lifestyle that includes making good nutritional choices can prevent up to 80 per cent of heart disease and the chance of stroke.
Potatoes South Africa joined the world in taking part in the world’s fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD).
“Heart health is a far-reaching issue, because heart problems are a leading cause of death on a global scale. As Potatoes South Africa, we are active custodians of health and wellness. We aim to play a pivotal role in influencing consumer decisions in terms of food choices,” said Immaculate Zinde, the marketing manager of Potatoes South Africa.
Five facts about heart health:
1. 225 South Africans are killed by heart diseases every day
2. 45 per cent of adults in South Africa have high blood pressure
3. 10 people suffer a stroke in South Africa every hour
4. The human heart will beat about 3 billion times from birth to the age of 90 years
5. In South Africa, 14 per cent of people aged between 30 and 70 die due to CVD.
Five ways potatoes improve heart health:
1. The potato’s fibre, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health
2. Potatoes contain more potassium than any other vegetable. Potassium plays a crucial role in normal heartbeat rhythm, smooth muscle contraction, blood pressure control and the nervous system and heart function
3. Potatoes contain significant amounts of fibre which helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease
4. Some evidence suggests that potatoes might help reduce inflammation and constipation
5. Potatoes contain several minerals and plant compounds that may help lower blood pressure
“The shocking statistics that can be decreased if we are mindful of our health are a testament that something needs to be done. We work towards the prevention of heart disease on the one hand and suggesting health and nutritious food options on the other, further driving conversation around the role potatoes play in heart health,” said Doctor Bianca van der Westhuizen, Nutrition Science Manager at the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.
“Further to this, we have started a drive through which we are aiming to achieve a 25 per cent Rheumatic Heart Disease reduction in those under the age of 25 years by 2025”.
• Source: Riverbed
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Www free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
