An experimental study found that long-term consumption of lingonberry juice can significantly lower high blood pressure and improve the function of blood vessels.
The juice also prevented the expression of genes associated with low-grade inflammation in the aorta.
In the study, researcher Anne Kivimäki examined the cardiovascular effects of cold-pressed lingonberry juice, cranberry juice, and blackcurrant juice in genetically hypertensive rats (SHR).
The juices were provided as drinking fluid for 8-10 weeks. Kivimäki discovered that diluted lingonberry juice notably lowered high blood pressure and improved impaired blood vessel function.
However, the juice did not prevent the age-related elevation of blood pressure typical in the hypertensive animal strain.
High blood pressure and functional disturbances in blood vessels related to low-grade inflammation are common health issues that many people develop at some point in their lives.
While drug therapies exist, nutrition plays a key role in managing these conditions.
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that polyphenol-rich foods, such as lingonberries, bilberries, cranberries, and blackcurrants, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The effects seen in the study are likely due to the reduction of low-grade inflammation and mechanisms related to the renin-angiotensin system, a primary regulator of blood pressure, and the availability of nitric oxide, a local endothelial vasodilating factor.
Anne Kivimäki suggested the need for comparative clinical studies on healthy individuals with slightly elevated blood pressure, who are typically given nutritional and lifestyle guidance rather than drug therapy.
“Lingonberry juice is no substitute for medication, but it is a good dietary supplement,” she said.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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