High blood pressure is a common condition whereby the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily reversed by making simple dietary tweaks. Research suggests drinking sour tea can significantly reverse a high reading but it matters when you drink it.
There was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure in both groups, but the mean reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was “significantly higher” in the sour tea group, the researchers observed.
The researchers concluded: “Using H. sabdariffa as sour tea two times a day can be effective in managing blood pressure in stage one hypertension along with lifestyle and dietary modification.”
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure – what these numbers mean
Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers. The systolic pressure (higher number) is the force at which your heart pumps blood around your body.
The diastolic pressure (lower number) is the resistance to the blood flow in the blood vessels.
According to the NHS, you should cut your salt intake to less than 6g (0.2oz) a day, which is about a teaspoonful.
Eating a low-fat, balanced diet – including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables – can help, says the health body.
Other tips include:
- Be active – read some tips about getting more exercise
- Cut down on alcohol
- Lose weight
- Drink less caffeine – found in coffee, tea and cola
- Stop smoking.
“You can take these steps today, regardless of whether or not you’re taking blood pressure medicines,” adds the NHS.
