When an aging relative is diagnosed with high blood pressure, as a family caregiver, one of your goals is to help them to lower their blood pressure and keep it under control. A new study suggests that one of the ways you can do that is by adding walnuts to their diet.
About the Study
Homecare Manhattan NY – New Study Says Eating Walnuts May Lower Blood Pressure
The study was conducted by researchers at Pennsylvania State University in State College. The goal of the study was to determine if a substance in walnuts called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) or other components they contain might help to improve heart health or lower blood pressure. The study involved 45 participants between the ages of 30 and 65. All of them were either overweight or obese. All of the participants were asked to follow a diet that matched the typical way that most Americans eat for two weeks before the study began. The purpose of this was to ensure all of the participants started from the same place.
When the study started, the participants were randomly assigned to one of three diet groups:
- A diet with walnuts.
- A diet without walnuts, but with other foods that contained the same level of ALA and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- A diet without walnuts and that partially substituted the same level of ALA with another kind of fatty acid called oleic acid.
The results of the study showed that all of the participants had at least some level of improvement in terms of heart health. Those who ate walnuts, though, had lower central blood pressure than the other groups.
Other Foods That May Lower Blood Pressure
There are several kinds of foods that can help your aging relative to lower their blood pressure. Some of them are:
Leafy Greens: Leafy greens help with blood pressure because they are rich in potassium. Examples of leafy greens include kale, spinach, collard greens, and romaine lettuce.
Berries: Berries contain anthocyanin, which helps artery walls to be more flexible and opens blood vessels wider, lowering blood pressure.
Low-Fat Dairy: Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt contain calcium, which assists in tightening and relaxing blood vessels appropriately.
Fatty Fish: Fatty fish contain omega-3’s proven to help with blood pressure and improve heart health. Examples of fatty fish include salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
Homecare can help your older family member to better manage their blood pressure. Homecare providers can help them to plan meals that include foods that lower blood pressure. Homecare providers can also drive them to the grocery store and cook meals for them. In addition, a homecare provider can remind the senior to take their blood pressure medicine so that they don’t forget a dose.
Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325133.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/foods-good-for-high-blood-pressure
https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/ss/slideshow-hypertension-low-bp-foods
