A recent study from the University of Bonn suggests that an extract from red onion skin could help reduce high blood pressure in overweight and obese people. The key ingredient in this extract is quercetin, a natural compound found in many fruits and vegetables.
Quercetin is a type of flavonoid, a group of plant-based compounds known for their health benefits. It is present in foods like capers, red onions, and kale. It has a slightly bitter taste and is often used in dietary supplements, teas, and health foods.
Previous research has suggested that quercetin may help protect the heart by lowering blood pressure, but this study focused on how it affects people who are overweight or have mild high blood pressure.
In the study, researchers tested quercetin on 70 participants who had either pre-hypertension or stage 1 high blood pressure. Half of them received a daily dose of 162 mg of quercetin from red onion skin extract for six weeks, while the other half received a placebo.
The researchers measured their blood pressure before and after the treatment, both in a doctor’s office and using a 24-hour monitoring device.
The results showed that quercetin had a noticeable effect on people with high blood pressure. Their systolic blood pressure (the upper number in a blood pressure reading) dropped by 3.6 mmHg over 24 hours compared to the placebo group. The biggest reductions were seen during the day and at night, suggesting that quercetin may help regulate blood pressure throughout the day.
However, quercetin did not seem to affect other health markers like cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation, or oxidation levels. This means that while quercetin may lower blood pressure, it does not appear to have a major impact on other risk factors for heart disease.
The researchers concluded that taking 162 mg of quercetin daily from red onion skin extract could help lower blood pressure, offering a potential natural way to support heart health. These findings add to growing evidence that certain plant-based compounds, including those found in onions and tea, may help protect against high blood pressure.
For those concerned about high blood pressure, other studies have suggested that drinking tea and taking herbal supplements might also help. Additionally, research has linked high sugar intake to increased blood pressure, while vitamin D may improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
This study, conducted by Verena Brüll and her team, was published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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