High blood pressure has been nicknamed the silent epidemic because of its far-reaching consequences.
Today, nearly one of every three adults has hypertension. It is the 13th largest cause of death in the United States.
Amazingly, studies based on the well-known Framingham Heart Study have estimated that a 55-year-old person has a 90-percent lifetime risk of getting the high blood pressure.
Sadly, millions of Americans who think they are under control may be wrong. Numerous studies have shown that most people treated with drugs still have higher-than-optimal blood pressure.
The problem is worse among elderly women. A study published in 2005 in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the high blood pressure of 77 percent of women older than 80 years was not sufficiently controlled even if they were taking up to 3 prescriptions.
What’s needed is an innovative nutritional approach. And here it is…
Food #1: Red Grapes
The seeds from red grapes can help maintain healthy blood pressure. In one study, researchers concluded that grape seed extract may be beneficial in people who are prehypertensive. Subjects took 300 mg/day of red grape seed extract.
Food #2: Milk Protein
Researchers recently hydrolyzed (or split) the milk protein known as casein and isolated the C12 peptide. Clinical studies now show that the C12 peptide is a natural ACE inhibitor that has specific blood pressure lowering effects. But drinking milk isn’t enough. You won’t get the C12 peptide.
Instead, take a C12 peptide supplement that provides 200-400 mg/day. A Japanese study sought to evaluate the longer-term benefits of supplementing with the C12 peptide.
Eighteen mildly hypertensive subjects received 200 mg/day of the C12 peptide for 4 weeks.
The researchers recorded significant reductions in both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number)pressure.
Food #3: Pomegranate
Pomegranates are fast becoming known as one of the healthiest foods we can eat, largely because of their beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.
The benefit of supplementing with pomegranate extract (rather than drinking the juice or eating the fruit) is that the extract, unlike the juice, contains virtually no sugar or calories, and requires no refrigeration to maintain optimal quality.
Pomegranate extract lowers high blood pressure by preventing blood vessel constriction. Supplementing with 400 mg/day is the right dose to receive the full heart-healthy benefits.
Summary
Red grapes, milk protein, and pomegranate are the three foods that lower high blood pressure.
As always, check with your doctor before starting any diet and exercise program.
