Whether it's a spoonful on your morning granola or a snack on the go, a daily intake of yogurt 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, researchers examined the links between yogurt consumption, blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors in 915 community-dwelling adults.
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).
Even small amounts of yogurt beneficial
The researchers found that eating yogurt was associated with lower blood pressure for those with hypertension, the number one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
This study found that for people with elevated blood pressure, even small amounts of yogurt were associated with lower blood pressure.
For those who consumed yogurt regularly, the results were even stronger, with blood pressure readings nearly seven points lower than those who did not consume yoghurt.
Dairy foods, especially yogurt, may help reduce blood pressure in a few ways.
Yogurt, and other dairy products, contain a range of micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium and potassium, all of which are needed to regulate blood pressure.
Yogurt is especially interesting because it also contains probiotic bacteria that promote the release of proteins which lowers blood pressure.
Source: International Dairy Journal, December 7, 2021.
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