Research Shows Yogurt may be a Natural Blood Pressure Reducer

A new study from the American Heart Association’s High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions reveals that eating yogurt on a long-term basis acts as a natural blood pressure reducer and can help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life. The study followed more than 2,000 volunteers for a period of 15 years, filling out survey questionnaires throughout the study period.

Reviewing Yogurt as a Natural Blood Pressure Reducer

According to scientists, 31% of study subjects were less likely to develop high blood pressure when at least 2% of their daily calories came from yogurt. This amount is the equivalent of one 6 ounce cup of yogurt every three days. In addition, if the yogurt-eaters did experience a rise in systolic blood pressure throughout the length of the research, the increase was less significant than those who didn’t eat yogurt.

This isn’t the first time low-fat dairy products have been connected to reduced blood pressure. While it isn’t clear why low-fat yogurt has this effect on blood pressure, it could be nothing more than the yogurt (generally low calorie and high in protein) is taking the place of unhealthier snacks. It could also have something to do with the probiotics within the yogurt. Seeing as yogurt is a natural blood pressure reducer, perhaps it’s time to add yogurt in with the other home remedies for high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure Stats

High blood pressure affects a large number of Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three adults in the U.S. has hypertension—this is about 68 million. It’s a major risk factor for heart attacks, kidney disease, stroke, and heart disease.

Systolic blood pressure, the one that was shown in this study to be reduced by yogurt consumption, is known as the “top number” on your blood pressure reading. This number quantifies the amount of pressure on the walls of your arteries when your heart beats. The other measurement, the “bottom number” is known as diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure between beats.

Keeping your blood pressure down is an act in diet, exercise, and stress control. In addition to eating healthy, natural foods, exercising on a regular basis, and keeping stress under control, you might find some other natural blood pressure reducers. These include coconut water, apple cider vinegar, and vitamin D. Black tea has also been shown to lower blood pressure naturally.

Like most of our health concerns, blood pressure is completely within your control. Prevention is key. But even when your high blood pressure is a wake-up call to treat your body better—there are natural solutions to get it under control without taking a handful of pharmaceuticals.