Proteins isolated from the humble potato may be biologically active and capable of reducing blood pressure, as well as having antioxidant activity, Finnish researchers report.
Isolated proteins, obtained as processing waste from the potato industry, could form hydrolysates which possessed angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity, report the researchers in the journal Food Chemistry.
"The results of this study suggest that potato is a promising source for the production of bioactive compounds as ingredients for developing functional foods with a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health wrote lead author Anne Pihlanto from MTT Agrifood Research Finland.
