Patriot Health Digest
Large humans usually have elevated blood pressure. At least, that is what we see in obese humans. The data on muscular humans is lacking, but usually, having more muscle (and doing the exercises that lead to muscle) is usually linked with lower blood pressure.
Still, it is not uncommon to meet lifters whose blood vessels are straining at the cellular seam. Their high blood pressure might be due to steroids, bad genetics, or possibly a bad diet. It could even be psychological if they manifest rage as their default mental state.
If your blood pressure is high, your doctor might write you a prescription for high BP. But there is a tasty alternative. Scientists have found that eating 100 grams of blueberries twice per day works just as good as blood pressure medicines in lowering a person’s high blood pressure.
The Study
Researchers from King’s College in London released a report that was a combo of four studies done on humans about the benefits of blueberries on a person’s blood flow and pressure. The studies used a blueberry drink, powder, or capsules that had blueberry anthocyanins (the type of chemicals that lead to blueberries have their blue color).
Another study, done on mice, was created to confirm the bioactivity of these anthocyanins and their metabolites.
They discovered that after 28 days, the 24-hour systolic blood pressure (the first number on your blood pressure reading) lowered around 5.5 mm. Also, the people who consumed the blueberry drink experienced an increase in “flow-mediated dilation” (FMD) of around 1.5% only two hours after drinking it, with the FMD leveling off at 2.3% after 28 days.
“Flow-mediated dilation” is a phrase for better blood flow, and it’s vital because every 1% increase in blood flow means a 10% lowering in the risk of heart disease.
To duplicate the benefits of this study, you have have to consume about 100 grams of blueberries twice per day, which means around two total cups of blueberries. That might be expensive or difficult for you, given the price of blueberries. It could also grow old fast. But it beats medication if you are looking to lower your BP.
Author: Steven Sinclaire
