In a recent and surprising discovery, scientists at the University of Bonn have found a potential natural solution for individuals battling high blood pressure, particularly those who are overweight or obese.
This breakthrough revolves around the extract from red onion skins, which might just be the key to a healthier heart for many.
The star of the show is quercetin, a natural substance found in various plants. Quercetin isn’t new to our diet; it’s present in many foods we eat daily, including capers, red onions, and kale.
Besides giving these foods a slightly bitter taste, quercetin is also a popular ingredient in health supplements, beverages, and an array of food items, thanks to its potential health benefits.
Previous studies have highlighted quercetin’s heart-healthy properties, especially its ability to lower high blood pressure, or hypertension. Considering that high blood pressure is a leading contributor to heart disease, the implications of these findings are significant.
The study conducted by the University of Bonn focused on a group of overweight or obese individuals, all of whom had high blood pressure. The research involved 70 participants, split into two groups.
One group received a daily dose of 162 milligrams of quercetin extracted from red onion skins, while the other group received a placebo, a substance without any medicinal effect, over a period of six weeks.
To assess the impact, researchers measured the participants’ blood pressure before and after the experiment using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and traditional office blood pressure measurements.
Ambulatory monitoring provides a comprehensive view of blood pressure fluctuations throughout the day during everyday activities.
The findings were promising. Participants who consumed quercetin exhibited a significant decrease in blood pressure levels, observed both during the day and at night, compared to those who took the placebo.
Interestingly, quercetin’s benefits seemed focused on blood pressure alone, as it didn’t notably affect other health markers like cholesterol levels, blood sugar, inflammation, or oxidative stress.
The study suggests that a daily supplement of 162 mg of quercetin can be an effective way to lower blood pressure in at-risk individuals. This positions quercetin as a potential natural ally in heart health, offering an alternative for those seeking ways to manage hypertension.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence supporting natural remedies for high blood pressure.
Other studies have proposed that drinking tea or taking specific herbal supplements could help, while some have explored the impact of dietary changes, like reducing added sugar, or the benefits of vitamin D for individuals with diabetes.
Published in the British Journal of Nutrition by Verena Brüll and her team, this study on quercetin and blood pressure is a fascinating development in natural health solutions.
It offers a glimpse of hope for millions affected by high blood pressure, suggesting that sometimes, the remedy might just be found in the skin of a common kitchen ingredient.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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