High blood pressure, or hypertension, decreases the amount of blood and oxygen to the heart, thereby increasing the risk for heart disease as well as stroke. Hypertension is often called the silent disease, because it normally has no early warning signs or symptoms. Research suggests that certain foods are effective for reducing blood pressure.
Eggs
Researchers from the University of Alberta in Canada studied the effects of egg consumption on angiotensin converting enzyme, or ACE, which constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure. At the end of the study, which was published in the February 2009 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry," scientists discovered that proteins found in eggs can be converted to enzymes in the small intestine that inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme, thereby increasing blood flow and decreasing blood pressure.
Salmon
Increasing your intake of calcium might improve blood pressure levels, according to researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Scientists performed a review of the clinical studies regarding the effects of calcium supplementation on blood pressure. They reported in the May 2006 issue of the "Journal of Human Hypertension," that calcium supplementation of 1200mg was effective in lowering blood pressure. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, salmon and green leafy vegetables.
Chili Peppers
In research reported in the August 2010 issue of the journal "Cell Metabolism," scientists from the Third Military Medical University in Chongqing in China studied the impact of capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers, on hypertensive rats. At the end of the study, researchers found that capsaicin reduced blood pressure in hypertensive rats by increasing nitric oxide, a gas molecule that dilates or widens blood vessels. This in turn boosts blood flow and decreases blood pressure.
Whole Grains
Scientists from VA Medical Center and University of Kentucky performed a review of the literature regarding the impact of whole grains on risk of cardiovascular disease. They reported in the February 2003 issue of the journal "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society," that whole grains protect against cardiovascular disease by reducing blood pressure. Whole grains include oatmeal, brown rice and whole grain bread.
References
- Nutra Ingredients: Egg Proteins May Reduce Blood Pressure: Study
- Journal of Human Hypertension: Blood Pressure Response to Calcium Supplementation: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials; L.A.J van Mierlo; May 2006
- Science Daily: Chili Peppers May Come With Blood Pressure Benefits
- PubMed.gov: Whole-Grain Protect Against Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease; J.W. Anderson; February 2003
