Diet for hypertension: do beets, electrolytes and chocolate lower blood pressure?

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Lowering blood pressure – many people also rely on proper nutrition. In such cases, beets, pomegranates and chocolate are often mentioned. But is it true? The health Knowledge Foundation has reviewed the research on these products.

Diet is an important part of basic hypertension therapy. Attempts are made to lower blood pressure through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. In this context, certain foods that are supposed to lower blood pressure come up again and again.

In its new health information “hypertension”, the Health Knowledge Foundation examined which are the results of scientific research.

• Beet juice
• Garlic
• Pomegranate (juice, capsule)
• Dark chocolate/cocoa< /li>
• Electrolyte

Beetroot juice for high blood pressure?

Beetroot is one of the so-called natural remedies for lowering blood pressure, but why? The reason for this is the high content of nitrates. Saliva in the mouth and the bacteria it contains can convert nitrates into nitrites. Nitrite is a substance that dilates blood vessels and thereby lowers blood pressure. As research shows, it has a positive effect on blood pressure. However, more research is needed, for example, to evaluate the long-term effect of beet juice. In addition, it is not yet clear how often and how much you need to drink beetroot juice to achieve the effect.

Chocolate as a regulator of blood pressure?

If chocolate regulates blood pressure, this would be good news for many a sweet tooth. But is it so? Dark chocolate and cocoa products are rich in so-called flavonoids, a plant substance that, among other things, is found in cocoa beans. It is believed that these substances have hypotensive properties. The review article actually showed a small drop in blood pressure of about 2 mmHg. During the research period from two to twelve weeks. However, long-term studies are needed. However, implementing this in nutritional research is not so easy.

With electrolytes against high blood pressure?

Can they lower blood pressure? Electrolytes such as potassium, sodium or magnesium are important minerals for the body. Recent studies have shown that increasing potassium intake and decreasing sodium intake have antihypertensive effects. It is also assumed that magnesium has a hypotensive effect.