High blood pressure: The healthy drinks to lower your reading backed up by studies
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High blood pressure rarely has noticeable symptoms so it can be extremely difficult to spot, but if the condition is left untreated, a person can be at increased risk of serious problems like heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Millions of people suffer from the condition and it’s estimated that around 12.5 million people in the UK. High blood pressure can cause blood clots to form in the arteries leading to the brain, blocking the flow of blood. Drinking any of these four drinks, however, could help to lower your reading and reduce risk of serious health complications.
Pomegranate juice
They are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, and drinking pomegranate juice has been reported to reduce blood pressure.
In a 2013 study, people with hypertension were found to have a significant reduction in blood pressure after consuming five ounces (150ml) of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks.
Other studies have found similar effects, especially for systolic blood pressure – the higher number in a blood pressure reading.
Hibiscus tea
One of the most notable benefits of hibiscus tea is its effect on blood pressure.
Several studies have found the tea may lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
In one study involving 65 people with high blood pressure participants were given hibiscus tea or a placebo.
After six weeks, those who drank hibiscus tea had a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure compared to the placebo.
A 2015 review of five studies also found hibiscus tea decreased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number on a reading) by an average of 7.58mmHg and 3.53mmHg.
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Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented food meaning it’s rich in probiotics, which is a beneficial bacterium that plays an important role in maintaining gut health.
In a review of nine studies, eating probiotics was found to have a modest effect on high blood pressure.
More enhanced effects were noted when participants consumed multiple species of probiotic bacteria, consumed probiotics regularly for more than eight weeks, and consumed at least 100 billion colony-forming units a day.
Rosehip
Flavonoids are plant chemicals found in almost all fruits and vegetables and help the body ward off everyday toxins.
A six-week study involving 31 adults with obesity also found those who consumed a drink containing 40g of reship powder per day had significantly improved blood pressure, compared with the control group.
Lowering high blood pressure is one way to keep the heart healthy. Other ways include lowering cholesterol.
Reduce alcohol intake to lower reading
According to the Mayo Clinic, having more than three drinks in one sitting can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure.
Repeated drinking can lead to long-term blood pressure problems.
Alcohol can also prevent any blood pressure medications a person may take from working effectively. In addition, alcohol is full of calories, must be metabolised by the liver, and can lead to weight gain.
If you’re overweight or obese, you’re more likely to have high blood pressure.
The NHS added: “Regularly drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure over time. Staying within the recommended levels is the best way to reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure.”
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