Foods that Lower High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure has been nicknamed the silent epidemic because of its far-reaching consequences. Today, nearly one of every three adults has high blood pressure. It is the 13th largest cause of death in the United States.

Amazingly, studies based on the well-known Framingham Heart Study have estimated that a 55-year-old person who has normal blood pressure has a 90-percent lifetime risk of getting high blood pressure.

Sadly, millions of Americans who think their blood pressure is under control may be wrong. Numerous studies have shown that most people treated with blood pressure drugs still have higher-than-optimal blood pressure.

What you need is an innovative food-based approach that lowers high blood pressure. And here it is...

Food #1: Red Grapes

The seeds from red grapes can help maintain healthy blood pressure. In one study, researchers concluded that red grape seed extract may be beneficial in lowering the blood pressure of people who are prehypertensive.

Subjects took 300 mg/day of red grape seed extract.

Food #2: Milk Protein

Researchers recently hydrolyzed (or split) the milk protein known as casein and isolated the C12 peptide. Clinical studies now show that the C12 peptide is a natural ACE inhibitor that has specific blood pressure lowering effects.

But don't drink milk. You won't get the C12 peptide. Instead, take a C12 peptide supplement that provides 200-400 mg/day.

A Japanese study sought to evaluate the longer-term benefits of supplementing with the C12 peptide. Eighteen mildly hypertensive subjects, with a mean blood pressure of 141/99 mm Hg, received 200 mg/day of the C12 peptide for 4 weeks.

The researchers recorded significant reductions in both systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure.

Food #3: Pomegranate

Pomegranates are fast becoming known as one of the healthiest foods we can eat, largely because of their beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.

The benefit of supplementing with pomegranate extract (rather than drinking the juice or eating the fruit) is that the extract, unlike the juice, contains virtually no sugar or calories, and requires no refrigeration to maintain optimal quality.

Pomegranate extract lowers high blood pressure by preventing blood vessel constriction. Supplementing with 400 mg/day is the right dose to fully benefit from this super fruit.

Summary

Red grapes, milk proteins, and pomegranates are three foods that lower high blood pressure. As always, check with your doctor before starting any diet and exercise program.

For more information, visit the Life Extension High Blood Pressure protocol.