Red Fruit Fix for Hypertension!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 27, 2024
Concerned about your blood pressure?
Forget that apple-a-day stuff!
It turns out that another fruit (or is it a vegetable?) might be JUST what the doctor ordered for hypertension.
Tomatoes are technically a fruit.
But they’re considered vegetables by nutritionists. And, according to new research, they could be the solution to keeping your blood pressure in check.
A study published last month in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology concluded that making tomatoes and tomato-based products a regular part of your diet can help prevent high blood pressure and maintain normal blood pressure if yours isn’t yet on the rise.
The study focused on over 7,000 adults and categorized their tomato consumption into four groups based on serving size:
- Lowest (ate less than 44 grams of tomatoes daily)
- Intermediate (44–82 grams daily)
- Upper-intermediate (82–110 grams daily)
- Highest (more than 110 grams daily)
The study participants eating the MOST tomatoes had a 36 percent DECREASED risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those with the lowest intake.
This is fantastic news because tomatoes are among the most widely available and affordable foods worldwide.
No expensive medications or dangerous procedures are required. And no risky blood-pressure-drug side effects to contend with either.
So, why are tomatoes so good for you?
Researchers believe tomatoes’ blood-pressure-lowering benefits are the result of their high potassium and lycopene levels.
Potassium helps balance electrolyte levels, which influence blood pressure. Other potassium-rich foods include avocados, sweet potatoes, fish, potatoes, beans, bananas, and greens like Swiss chard.
Lycopene is a potent antioxidant carotenoid with numerous heart health benefits, including fighting inflammation and artery-clogging plaques.
Combining tomatoes with some of these OTHER high-potassium foods could keep your blood pressure in check.
So, go ahead and eat the apple. But try a tomato or two as well.
P.S. Need a bit more blood pressure support? This “Miracle Molecule” TARGETS hypertension.
Source:
David Murcia-Lesmes, et al., “Association between tomato consumption and blood pressure in an older population at high cardiovascular risk: observational analysis of PREDIMED trial,” European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 2023;, zwad363, doi. org/ 10.1093 /eurjpc /zwad363
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The $1000 Weight-Loss Secret Your Body Makes for FREE
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names. These injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs have captured widespread attention, with celebrity endorsements and social media success stories highlighting their dramatic results. But here’s what those glossy headlines aren’t telling you… GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by your gut. It acts as...
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...