[ad_1]
High blood pressure occurs when your blood pressure, the force of your blood that pushes against the walls of your blood vessels, is consistently too high. If nothing is done, high blood pressure can cause serious health problems, such as an increased risk of heart disease. fortunately, the dangers can be kept at bay if the necessary measures are taken. A recent study indicates that eating blueberries can help reduce a person's blood pressure reading.
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology Series A found that daily consumption of 200 g of blueberries for one month could lead to improved blood vessel function and a decrease in systolic blood pressure in healthy people.
Researchers from King & # 39; s College London studied 40 healthy volunteers for a month.
They were randomly given either a beverage containing 200 g of blueberries or a matching control beverage per day.
The team monitored chemicals in the blood and urine of volunteers, as well as blood pressure and brachial artery dilation induced by blood flow: a measure of arterial widening when the flow blood increases, which is considered a sensitive biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk.
In another study, the researchers compared the effects of a blueberry drink to those of purified anthocyanins, a type of phytochemical responsible for the blue, red, pink, and purple color of certain fruits and vegetables such as only berries and red grapes.
They also compared this with control drinks containing either similar levels of fiber, minerals or vitamins found in blueberries.
The effects on blood vessel function were observed two hours after the consumption of the blueberry drinks and remained for one month, even after a night fast.
During the month, the blood pressure was reduced by 5 mmHg. This is similar to what is commonly seen in studies using hypotensive drugs.
Drinks containing purified anthocyanins resulted in improved endothelial function.
Endothelial cells act as a barrier between blood or lymph and surrounding body tissue, while playing a key role in blood clotting and blood pressure regulation.
The principal investigator, Dr. Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, of the Department of Nutritional Sciences of King's College London, said: "Although it is best to consume whole blueberry to make the most of it , our study shows that most effects can be explained by anthocyanins.
"If the changes we've seen in blood vessel function after eating blueberries every day could last a lifetime, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease could be reduced by 20%."
According to the British Heart Foundation, regular physical activity can also help reduce the level of reading.
The health organization advises to do moderate intensity activity every day and at least 150 minutes a week, in increments of 10 minutes or more.
According to the NHS, a person can reduce his blood pressure in different ways:
- Reduce the amount of salt you eat and eat a generally healthy diet
- Reduce alcohol
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Regular exercise
- Reduce caffeine
- Stop smoking
- Try to sleep at least six hours per night
"Some people with high blood pressure may also need to take one or more medications so that their blood pressure does not become too high," the NHS said.
The only way for a person to determine if their blood pressure is too high is to take a blood pressure test. This can be done in a number of places, including the general practitioner's clinic of the person or at home using a blood pressure monitor.
Source link
