Blood pressure is the force that flowing blood exerts on the walls of arteries and veins. Conditions such as diabetes, arrhythmia, alcohol and drug abuse, and shock can lead to lower than normal blood pressure. High blood pressure, on the other hand, affects almost 31.3 percent of the American population and is a major risk factor for heart disease, congestive heart failure and kidney diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, your doctor may prescribe medications to regulate the blood pressure. Certain natural supplements and foods such as cranberry may also help manage the condition.
Cranberry
Cranberry, or Vaccinium macrocarpon, is an evergreen shrub native to North America. The red-black fruits of the plant are high in antioxidants known as proanthocyanidins, which give the fruits an immense medicinal value. Cranberries are available as fresh or dried fruits, juices, tablets and capsules, and have been used to treat a variety of conditions including urinary tract infections, high cholesterol, ulcers and certain cancers. The dose may vary in different people. Your doctor may help determine the dose that is appropriate for you, based on your age, overall health and condition being treated.
High Blood Pressure
Daily consumption of cranberry juice may decrease the levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, in the blood, according to a study published in the February 2008 issue of the journal "British Journal of Nutrition." This may, in turn, reduce the risk of high blood pressure by preventing the formation of clots that block the blood vessels. Cranberries also reduce the concentration cell adhesion molecules, which are proteins on cell surfaces that cause adhesion of the cells and play an important role in the development cardiovascular diseases. The University of Maryland Medical Center also states that cranberry may prevent plaque formation and lower blood cholesterol levels. An article in the December 2008 issue of the journal "Diabetic Medicine" reveals that cranberry can improve blood cholesterol levels in diabetic patients as well. This may, in turn, help regulate the blood pressure. Some animal studies, such as the one published in the Fall 2000 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food," reaffirms that cranberry juice can dilate the blood vessels in animal models and help reduce blood pressure.
Side Effects
Cranberry products are generally safe to use as no major side effects have been reported in most individuals. They may, however, increase the risk of kidney stones in some cases and may also interfere with certain pain and blood-thinning medications, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Precautions
Although, you can find cranberry products and supplements at most food stores and pharmacies, you should talk to a doctor before using them for medicinal purposes. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the production of cranberry supplements in the United States. Hence, consult a pharmacist to check if the product has been tested for safety and efficacy, or look for the USP logo which is given to products that voluntarily submit for safety tests.
References
- CDC: High Blood Pressure Facts
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Low-Calorie Cranberry Juice Supplementation Reduces Plasma Oxidized LDL and Cell Adhesion Molecule Concentrations in Men; Guillaume Ruel, et al.; February 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberry
- "Diabetic Medicine"; Effect of Cranberry Extracts on Lipid Profiles in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes; I. T. Lee, et al.; December 2008
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Cranberry Juice Induces Nitric Oxide-Dependent Vasodilation In Vitro and its Infusion Transiently Reduces Blood Pressure in Anesthetized Rats; M. A. Maher, et al.; Fall 2000
