Maintain
normal blood pressure remains very important because high blood
pressure can increase the risk of stroke, kidney failure and heart
disease. Some healthy drinks can help lower blood pressure.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the 'silent killer' because it often does not show any symptoms. Research shows some healthy drinks can lower high blood pressure.
Here are some drinks that can help lower blood pressure, as reported by Livestrong:
1. Orange juiceA study reported in the April 2005 issue of Hypertension. Scientists
from St George's Medical School in London examined the effects of
potassium citrate which is found in bananas and citrus fruits, and
potassium chloride supplements. Scientists found that both forms of potassium is effective in lowering blood pressure for patients with stage 1 hypertension.
2. Bit of fruit juiceResearch
conducted by scientists from Barts and the London Medical School and
Queen Mary University of London suggests drinking beet juice can lower
blood pressure. This is because fruits bit contain nitrates that can help lower blood pressure.
Mechanism of action that occurs is inorganic nitrate levels in fruit bits are converted into nitric oxide gas when eaten. This gas will make the blood vessels open and relaxed, so that a person's blood pressure to drop. However, this effect is more pronounced in men than women.
3. Spinach juiceFolate, which is soluble B vitamin found in spinach and broccoli can also lower blood pressure. Scientists from the Policlinico in Modena, Italy, exploring the effects of folate on blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
Participants received 15 mg folate or placebo for three weeks. The
scientists report in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition that
folate group had a significant decrease in blood pressure compared with
the placebo group.
4. Black teaPeople who regularly drank black tea may benefit from a slight decrease in blood pressure. It is based on a new study from Australia.
Although
the study could not identify the specific components of tea that may
cause a decrease in blood pressure, but recent studies suggest that
flavonoids, which are compounds found in many plants such as tea, good
for heart health.
5. Low-or nonfat milkMilk
is a good drink to lower blood pressure, because they contain potassium
and calcium, two nutrients that are associated with healthy blood
pressure, and fortified with vitamin D.
Low-fat milk can also help lower blood pressure, according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition 20 years. [detik]
