Vegetarian diet

High blood pressure can be reduced with diet changes, especially a vegetarian diet, says study.

A new study titled 'The Silent Killer' and published in 'Nutrition Reviews' has revealed that high blood pressure can be reduced with diet changes, especially a vegetarian diet.

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The study has analyzed the results of published studies and reached the conclusion that vegetarian populations have lower rates of hypertension.

The researchers said that vegetarians tend to be slimmer, on average, and that is one reason their blood pressure is often in the healthy range. Other mechanisms include vegetarians' higher intake of potassium as well as the tendency of plant-based foods to modulate blood viscosity. As blood pressure is lowered, vegetarian populations experience a reduced risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

"Many people fear the side effects of blood pressure-lowering drugs, along with the expense. Our analysis of 80 scientific studies suggests that a vegetarian diet may be a simple, drug-free treatment for "the 'silent killer," said Dr. Susan E. Berkow, an eminent nutritionist and lead author of the study.

"My advice to people at risk for hypertension is to substitute a veggie burger for a hamburger tonight and have pasta marinara without the meatballs tomorrow. After about six weeks of such simple changes you might see your blood pressure, and your body weight, begin to drop," she added.