Source: pinkvilla.com
High blood pressure aka Hypertension is one of the common ailments as one in three people in the world suffers from the same. For the unversed, high BP is when the blood against the artery walls is constantly high than normal. Because of the friction of high blood pressure, the tissues of arteries get damaged and the same can lead to other heart complications as well as brain and kidney issues. Fortunately, tweaks in lifestyle can lower a person’s BP reading. In order to lower the elevated levels of BP, one should make changes in diet by reducing the intake of salt, including more potassium-rich foods, veggies, fruits and incorporating some form of physical activity. Coming to diet, as per new research, tomato juice is one of the best ways to reduce high BP as the same has a positive effect. Speaking of tomatoes, the fruit is packed with several antioxidants and potassium and the same plays the role in reducing blood pressure. For the unversed, these nutrients negate the harmful effects of sodium. This is not all, the juice also helps to reduce the cholesterol levels as well.
Dr. Nicole Weinberg, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Centre in California told Daily Express, “Like with many vegetables, tomato juice is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is high in vitamin C and B, as well as potassium.” As per a study in Food Science and Nutrition, unsalted tomato juice did lower bad or LDL cholesterol among the Japanese adults who were at the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the study, 184 males and 297 females were given unsalted tomato juice throughout one year. At the end of the study, blood pressure in 94 participants with untreated prehypertension or hypertension showed a significant drop.
As per another study which was conducted at Ben Gurion University in Israel showed a positive effect of daily tomato extract supplements on 31 volunteers who had mild hypertension. As per the study, the extract reduced the systolic blood pressure by an average of 10 points and diastolic pressure around four points. The researchers revealed that antioxidants such as lycopene, beta carotene, and vitamin E are the main health boosters. Dr Thomas Giles, president of the American Society of Hypertension told, “Artery walls are subject to oxidative stress, we are all rusting away. Anything with antioxidants may be helpful.”
Aside from good diet, being active and indulging in physical activities will also help to lower BP and keep your blood vessels and heart in very good condition. So, if you are suffering from high BP then make sure to do at least 150 minutes of moderate to high-intensity cardio workout every week. If you do not like the gym, then skipping, walking, brisk walking, jogging, cycling, taking stairs instead of a lift and swimming among others are some of the best cardio exercises anyone can include in workout regime. Losing weight, reducing the consumption of smoking, drinking alcohol and junk food will also help to lower blood pressure.