Sun, Apr 21, 2013 at 3:16 PM
Raisins for Blood Pressure
If your blood pressure is slightly higher than normal blood pressure (it's called prehypertension), you can try eating a handful of raisins. Why? Raisins are believed to be able to lower high blood pressure.
Consuming raisins three times a day can be used as blood pressure home remedy as they put blood pressure levels down, especially when compared to other common snacks. Similarly, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 61st Annual Scientific Session as reported by ScienceDaily last year, Raisins are a better snack than your normal crackers and chocolate chips because of their relationship with blood pressure.
A president director at Louisville Metabolic and Atherosclerosis Research Center and also the study's principal investigator did the study using a team of clinical testing to compare the effects of eating raisins compared to other snacks on blood pressure. The study involved 46 people, men and women, with prehypertension.
Participants did not try home remedies and were randomly assigned to eat a snack consisting of raisins and other fruits or vegetables with the same number of calories per serving three times a day for three months or 12 weeks. This study distinguished individuals, nutrition and physical activity.
The systolic blood pressure of people who ate raisins in the study was reduced at weeks 4, 8, and 12, ranging from -4.8 to -7.2%. Raisins also reduced the average diastolic blood pressure based on the study. While other snacks such as biscuits and cakes did not significantly reduce systolic or diastolic blood pressure - they're not healthy for you.
Natural foods have greater health benefits than processed foods. Raisins contain potassium which is known to lower blood pressure and also contain fiber which is good to change the biochemistry of the blood vessels, which can reduce blood pressure, according to the researchers.