Tasty red juice could help lower your blood pressure

High blood pressure can often go unnoticed as there are few symptoms, but it’s extremely important to have regular checks – and it’s also important to ensure that you are consuming the right foods and drinks to manage or prevent HBP

This drink can help reduce blood pressure(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

High blood pressure, often referred to as the silent killer due to its lack of noticeable symptoms, necessitates regular checks. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure (HBP) arises when the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls is too high, which can occur for a variety of reasons.

Hypertension damages blood vessels due to the high pressure exerted on them, leading to other health complications. Factors such as genetics, age, other medical conditions, and lifestyle choices can all contribute to HBP.

If left untreated, this condition can result in a stroke or heart attack.

Many individuals with this condition require daily medication. However, research suggests that consuming certain foods and beverages can aid in managing or even preventing high blood pressure.

The National Library of Medicine reports that “pomegranate juice possesses antioxidant, anti-hypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic properties” which could assist in lowering blood pressure, reports Surrey Live.

The National Library of Medicine study stated: “Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a polyphenol-rich fruit with diverse medicinal properties. Several lines of experimental and clinical evidence have shown that pomegranate intake helps lowering blood pressure (BP) through different mechanisms.

“Findings from both animal and clinical studies have demonstrated that pomegranate juice can lower blood pressure (BP) over both short-term and long-term periods. These effects are accompanied by antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic actions that collectively improve cardiovascular health. The anti-hypertensive effects have been reported for both pomegranate juice and seed oil, affecting both systolic and diastolic pressures.”

While more research is necessary, it’s believed that pomegranates reduce levels of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in the body – potentially explaining how this fruit or its juice lowers high blood pressure (HBP). The ACE protein helps regulate blood pressure by controlling the size of the body’s blood vessels.

However, if you’re on prescribed medication for HBP, you should consult your doctor before consuming pomegranate juice as it could interact with blood pressure medications.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) also underscored the health benefits of pomegranate juice, along with four other drinks that could help lower HBP. The NCOA stated that “some beverages are better than others” when it comes to hypertension, and pomegranate juice was one of the juices that could yield positive results in lowering HBP.

The NCOA website proclaimed: “Pomegranate is a fruit that contains many nutrients, is high in fibre, full of antioxidants and, like milk, potassium. But let’s face it, these bright red beauties are tough to peel, and the juicy seeds can be messy and hard to eat. That makes them an ideal choice for juicing. Not only is pomegranate juice tasty, but drinking it also can lower blood pressure – sometimes quickly.”

Furthermore, the NCOA highlighted that “drinking (cloudy) apple juice in moderation provides heart-healthy advantages”. This benefit is attributed to the high levels of “beneficial compounds” present in the juice, such as antioxidants and polyphenols, which “help reduce cholesterol and inflammation within the blood vessels”.

The article from the NCOA also commended beet juice for its rich vitamin content and being “loaded with nitrates” – substances that “significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure” based on scientific findings. Additionally, milk has been recognized for its “blood pressure lowering effect in middle aged, overweight adults” according to recent studies – and the NCOA emphasized the overall importance of staying hydrated, noting that it aids in maintaining balanced blood pressure levels.

No Byline Policy

Editorial Guidelines

Corrections Policy

Source