You might have heard that eating right can help control your blood pressure. But did you know that a simple Japanese side dish could play a role in this too?
A recent study from Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan has found that men over 40 who eat sunomono, a vinegared side dish, have lower average blood pressure.
What is Sunomono?
Sunomono is a traditional Japanese dish made by mixing sliced cucumber or seaweed with rice vinegar. Sometimes, it also includes seafood toppings. It’s not some exotic, hard-to-find dish; it’s actually a regular food item in Japan.
You can even find prepackaged servings in supermarkets there. Because it contains vinegar, it sparked interest among researchers who were already looking into the health effects of vinegar.
The Study’s Findings
The researchers gathered a group of 1,498 men and women over 40 years old. All of them were checked for high blood pressure and other health issues that could affect the study.
Out of these, 746 people had their blood pressure measured and then filled out a survey about their eating habits. The survey paid special attention to foods that contain vinegar, like sunomono.
The result? Men who ate sunomono at least once a month had lower average blood pressure compared to those who didn’t, even when factors like age, weight, smoking, and other dietary habits were considered.
Interestingly, the study found that these men’s weight and body mass index (BMI) were the same as those who didn’t eat sunomono.
This led the researchers to think that maybe the dish is helping good bacteria in the gut grow, which in turn could be helping to lower blood pressure.
Why This Matters
The study brings some good news for men concerned about high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Anything that can help lower it naturally is worth considering.
According to the researchers, even eating sunomono occasionally could make a difference. So, the next time you’re planning a meal, why not try adding some sunomono to your menu?
It’s a simple, tasty side dish that could have more benefits than just pleasing your taste buds.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Scientific Diet. All rights reserved.
