Consuming cherry concentrate can reduce blood pressure for up to three hours and is as effective as commonly prescribed medications, according to a recent study. This effect is attributed to plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and accounts for nearly half of all fatalities in Europe, with high blood pressure being the most significant risk factor.
Even modest reductions in blood pressure can significantly influence mortality rates.
In recent years, Northumbria University has conducted several studies exploring the health benefits of Montmorency tart cherry concentrate, reports Surrey Live.
Lecturer Karen Keane told The Conversation: “We have found that drinking the concentrate improves the quality and quantity of sleep. It also reduces gout symptoms.”
Talking about what the study focuses on, she says: “We examined the acute effects of the consumption of Montmorency tart cherries on arterial stiffness, blood pressure and dilation of small blood vessels in men with early hypertension.”
The study focused on men in the early stages of high blood pressure. Participants were divided into two groups: one received Montmorency tart cherry concentrate diluted with water, while the other was given a placebo (fruit cordial).
She added: “Compared with the placebo, we found that cherry juice concentrate reduced peak blood pressure by 7mmHG. The blood pressure lowering effects of cherry juice are comparable to those achieved by some antihypertensive drugs – such as beta blockers and diuretics – in people with mild hypertension.”
The study’s findings suggest Montmorency cherries could complement standard hypertension treatments.
She continued: “We found that the greatest improvements in systolic blood pressure occurred in people who had the highest blood concentrations of some of the phenolic compounds found in Montmorency cherries. Although long ignored, phenolic compounds – which are found in many plants – are now attracting widespread attention.
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“Unlike the “traditional” nutrients, they don’t seem to be essential for short-term well-being – but there is increasing evidence that long-term intakes may reduce the incidence of some cancers and many chronic diseases, including CVD.
“We attribute much of the previously established health benefits of Montmorency cherry juice to these plant compounds.”
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