Yogurt Supports Healthy Blood Pressure Levels
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Eating yogurt is linked to healthier blood pressure management, especially in adults with higher blood pressure readings.
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People who regularly consumed yogurt had blood pressure readings nearly seven points lower than those who did not consume yogurt.
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Yogurt contains micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are involved in the regulation of blood pressure, as well as healthy probiotic bacteria that promote the release of proteins that lowers blood pressure.
This article was posted on ScienceDaily.com:
Whether it's a dollop on your morning cereal or a simple snack on the go, a daily dose of yoghurt could be the next go-to food for people with high blood pressure, according to new research from the University of South Australia.
Conducted in partnership with the University of Maine, the study examined the associations between yoghurt intake, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors, finding that yoghurt is associated with lower blood pressure for those blood pressure concerns.
UniSA researcher Dr Alexandra Wade says this study provides new evidence that connects yoghurt with positive blood pressure outcomes for hypertensive people.
"High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for [poor heart health], so it's important that we continue to find ways to reduce and regulate it," Dr Wade says.
"Dairy foods, especially yoghurt, may be capable of reducing blood pressure.
"This is because dairy foods contain a range of micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium and potassium, all of which are involved in the regulation of blood pressure.
"Yoghurt is especially interesting because it also contains bacteria that promote the release of proteins which lowers blood pressure.
"This study showed for people with elevated blood pressure, even small amounts of yoghurt were associated with lower blood pressure.
"And for those who consumed yoghurt regularly, the results were even stronger, with blood pressure readings nearly seven points lower than those who did not consume yoghurt."
The study was conducted on 915 community-dwelling adults from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study. Habitual yogurt consumption was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. High blood pressure was defined as being greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg (a normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg).
Story Source:
Materials provided by University of South Australia. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
- Alexandra T. Wade, Benjamin A. Guenther, Fayeza S. Ahmed, Merrill F. Elias. Higher yogurt intake is associated with lower blood pressure: Cross-sectional findings from the Maine–Syracuse longitudinal study. International Dairy Journal, 2021; 122: 105159 DOI: 10.1016/j.idairyj.2021.105159