Dairy foods, especially yoghurt, may be capable of reducing blood pressure. Yoghurt often makes for a healthy breakfast cereal topping or mid-morning snack.
But it seems that regularly eating yoghurt, which is made from fermented milk, may have further benefits. Researchers from the University of South Australia and the University of Maine have found that a daily dose of yoghurt could be the go-to food for people with high blood pressure.
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"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," said Dr Alexandra Wade. "Yoghurt is especially interesting because it also contains bacteria that promote the release of proteins which lowers blood pressure."
For their study, the experts monitored yoghurt consumption and blood pressure among 915 adults.
"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," Dr Wade added.
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Going forward, the researchers want to examine the potential benefits of yoghurt in individuals at risk of heart disease.
Full study results have been published in the ‘International Dairy Journal’.
(Cover Fitness/Reuters)
