High blood pressure: Juicy drink that has ‘anti-hypertensive’ properties to reduce reading

Phillip Schofield gets blood pressure checked in Istanbul in 1991

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One juicy drink, however, has been shown to reduce blood pressure readings among many of its health benefits. Here are the details. Researchers, from the Mashhad University of Medical Science, Iran, and the University of Western Australia collared on the project. “Punica granatum has been claimed to provide several health benefits,” the authors of the study noted.

Described to have “high antioxidant capacity”, pomegranate juice (i.e. Punica granatum) may also have the following properties:

• Anti-atherogenic
• Anti-hypertensive
• Anti-inflammatory.

The basis of their investigation was to explore the potential cardioprotective benefits of pomegranate juice.

Analysing a body of randomised placebo-controlled trials, the researchers came to certain conclusions.

Eight studies they analysed demonstrated that drinking pomegranate juice “showed significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure”.

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Systolic blood pressure is the first number in a blood pressure reading.

This recording measures the pressure when the heart pushes blood around the body.

Meanwhile, the diastolic blood pressure is the second number in the blood pressure reading.

Diastolic blood pressure measures when the heart relaxes between beats.

An example of a blood pressure reading is (systolic) 140/90mmHg (diastolic).

“Pomegranate juice reduced systolic blood pressure regardless of the duration,” the researchers noted.

The average systolic blood pressure reading dropped by nearly 5mmHg.

The diastolic blood pressure, on the other hand, reduced on average around 2mmHg.

“This evidence suggests it may be prudent to include this fruit juice in a heart-healthy diet,” the researchers noted.

What is a heart-healthy diet?

One of the first guidelines when it comes to a heart-healthy diet is portion control, the Mayo Clinic confirmed.

“How much you eat is just as important as what you eat,” the health site stated.

To help control food portion size, use small plates and bowls, and eat more low-calorie and nutrient-rich foods, such as vegetables.

In fact, eating more vegetables in general is also recommended to have a heart-healthy diet, as well as more fruits.

Rich in dietary fibre, fruits and vegetables may help to prevent cardiovascular disease.

An easy way to incorporate more healthy foods into your diet is to eat more wholegrain products.

Choose wholegrain breads and pasta, brown rice, barley and buckwheat, as well as oatmeal.

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