A potential ally in controlling hypertension
High blood pressure is a common condition that can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease and stroke.
A recent study from Shifa College of Medicine suggests that plums may play a role in controlling high blood pressure and potentially have protective effects on heart health.
Plums: nutrient powerhouses
Prunes are dried plums, with no added sugar and rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They contain vitamin B6, manganese and copper, all of which support the normal release of energy from food.
Previous research has shown that fruits and vegetables may help lower blood pressure not only because of their antioxidant content, but also because of other health benefits they offer.
The study
In this study, the researchers wanted to investigate the protective effects of plums on heart health.
They performed tests on 259 people with systolic blood pressure (BP) between 120 and 139 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 mmHg.
Participants were divided into two treatment groups and one control group.
The treatment groups drank either prune juice and ate whole dried plums (either 3 or 6 prunes daily), while the control group drank just one glass of plain water each morning on an empty stomach.
Results
Researchers found that participants who took a single dose of prunes (3 prunes) daily experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure.
With the double dose of plums (6 plums), only the systolic blood pressure was greatly reduced.
Interestingly, the control group had a significant increase in HDL (“good” cholesterol) in their blood, while the test groups had greatly reduced cholesterol and LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels.
High HDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, while high LDL cholesterol increases the risk of these conditions.
Diploma
These results suggest that consumption of plums could help control high blood pressure and potentially have protective effects on heart health.
More research is needed to confirm these findings and to examine the mechanisms behind plum’s antihypertensive effects.
The research conducted by Talat Ahmed and his team is a compelling addition to the evidence supporting the heart health benefits of including fruits like plums in the diet.
If you care about high blood pressure, read studies on the best time to take high blood pressure medication, and scientists are finding new ways to treat high blood pressure.
Further information on the subject of health can be found in current studies Beetroot juice might help lower high blood pressureand results are displayed This common plant nutrient may help lower high blood pressure.
The research was published in the Journal of Ayub Medical College and authored by Talat Ahmed et al. carried out.
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