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High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is too high.
High blood pressure (or hypertension) is currently one of the biggest health problems in the world. The condition characterized by elevated levels of blood pressure affects millions of people around the world. According to a more recent study, published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’, people who ate a diet enriched with flavanol-rich foods and beverages such as tea, apple juice and berries have a better chance of controlling elevated blood pressure levels.
Researchers studied more than 25,000 people in the UK and compared the food they ate with their blood pressure. To measure flavanol intake objectively, they used nutritional biomarkers, indicators of dietary intake, metabolism or nutritional status present in the blood.
The difference in blood pressure between those with the lowest 10 percent and the highest 10 percent flavonol intake was found to be between two and four millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
This turns out to be comparable to the changes in blood pressure seen in those following a Mediterranean diet or a DASH diet (dietary approaches to stop hypertension).
Contrary to observational studies so far, this is the first study to actually use specific bioactive compounds and health to reach conclusions.
“We are delighted to see that in our study, there was also a significant and significant association between flavanol consumption and lower blood pressure,” said study author Gunter Kuhnle from the University of Reading, USA.
“What this study gives us is an objective finding of the association between flavonoids, found in tea and some fruits, and blood pressure,” Kuhnle added.
Flavonoids are a type of phytonutrient or plant chemical that you can find in a variety of everyday foods.
Here are 5 foods rich in flavanol that you could include in your diet:
1. Green tea
A soothing cup of green tea is a good source of polyphenols and flavonoids, and it also helps control calorie intake.
2. Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are good for your heart, so don’t be scared of them.
3. Grapes
Grapes are also a treasure trove of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Include these sweet and spicy delicacies in your diet and keep your blood pressure under control.
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4. Apple
An apple a day could do wonders for your heart. Besides plant-based nutrients, they are also a very good source of pectin fiber which is also very good for heart health.
5. Cocoa
Dark chocolates, if consumed in moderate amounts, can also be beneficial for the heart. The flavonoids in cocoa are considered to be very healing in nature.
(This content, which includes advice, provides only generic information. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own physician for further information. NDTV is not responsible for this information).
