Blood pressure measures the force of your blood against your arteries. If this energy rises to a dangerous level, it can cause health problems like heart attacks and strokes.

The good news is that it is possible to reduce this force with simple lifestyle changes.

This includes a popular morning beverage that may control high blood pressure as effectively as reducing salt intake.

According to a new study, the coronavirus pandemic has increased the number of adults with hypertension even more. Dr. Carrie Ruxton, a dietician, told Express about a simple hack to reduce excessive levels.

Blood pressure naturally rises and falls during the day.

However, if your levels remain consistently high, you run the risk of serious health concerns such as heart attacks and strokes.

According to Dr. Carrie Ruxton of the Fruit Juice Science Centre, decreasing blood pressure could be as simple as drinking a glass of orange juice every day.

When consumed on a regular basis, the zesty drink can reduce blood pressure by three millimetres of mercury (mmHg) for systolic blood pressure and nearly two mmHg for diastolic blood pressure, says a new study published in Nutrition Bulletin.

Dr. Ruxton added: “Both oranges and orange juice contain a plant polyphenol, called hesperidin, which relaxes our blood vessels making it easier for our body to control blood pressure.

“Interestingly, hesperidin is absorbed more efficiently from juice than from whole oranges.

“That’s because the small amount of fibre in whole oranges inhibits hesperidin take-up by the body.

“Orange juice is also a source of potassium which is well proven for helping to manage blood pressure.”

Thus, the combination of hesperidin and potassium is responsible for this decrease.

The dietitian explained how this exactly works: “What happens in our bodies is that the hesperidin is broken down by our gut bacteria in the large intestine.

“It’s then absorbed by the bodies and goes through a few changes to its structure.

“The new compound in our blood – called hesperetin – helps to relax blood vessels which has a significant impact on blood pressure, especially in people who are at risk from cardiovascular disease.”

However, the recommended daily amount entails only 150 ml to keep the sugar intake within recommended limits, Dr Ruxton shared.

According to the dietitian, the good news is: “A large analysis of data from Canadian scientists found that 150-200 ml of fruit juice was linked with lower risk of cardiovascular disease.”

So, a daily glass could still help when enjoyed regularly.

When it comes to the best time to reach for the popular drink, Dr Ruxton added:” Studies show that drinking fruit juice with meals helps to boost iron absorption from our foods.

“That’s why I would suggest having a glass of orange juice with an evening meal.

“Dentists also say that having fruity drinks with a meal, rather than as a snack, is better for teeth.

“[However], fruit juice never contains added sugars so all the sugars in the glass come directly from the fruit.”

Image Credit: Getty

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