What tangible cardiovascular benefit was observed in healthy adults consuming an anthocyanin-rich potato variety for four weeks in one human trial concerning blood pressure regulation?
A diastolic blood pressure decrease by an average of $4 ext{ mm Hg}$
The potent antioxidant load within purple potatoes, primarily delivered by anthocyanins and polyphenols, has a specific documented positive effect on cardiovascular health, particularly concerning the regulation of blood pressure. In one human trial involving healthy adults, the consistent consumption of an anthocyanin-rich potato variety over a four-week period resulted in a measurable outcome: their diastolic blood pressure decreased by an average of $4 ext{ mm Hg}$. This measurable reduction is significant in the context of cardiovascular risk assessment, as such changes correlate with projected lower long-term risks of major events like stroke and heart disease. Furthermore, this vascular support is also evidenced by purple potato consumption's link to a reduction in arterial stiffness, assessed via pulse wave velocity measurements.
