One fruit as effective at lowering blood pressure as beta blockers

Drinking cherry concentrate can lower blood pressure for up to three hours and is as effective as commonly prescribed drugs, a recent study found, thanks to plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the biggest killer globally and in Europe is responsible for nearly half of all deaths, aond high blood pressure is the greatest risk factor for CVD.

Even small reductions in blood pressure can have a big impact on mortality rates. In recent years Northumbria University has undertaken a number of studies into the health benefits of tart Montmorency cherry concentrate. Lecturer Karen Keane told The Conversation : "We have have found that drinking the concentrate improves the quality and quantity of sleep. It also reduces gout symptoms.

"In this study, we examined the acute effects of the consumption of Montmorency tart cherries on arterial stiffness, blood pressure and dilation of small blood vessels in men with early hypertension."

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The study looked at men in the early stages of high blood pressure - some were given Montmorency tart cherry concentrate, diluted with water and others a placebo (fruit cordial).

Karen said: "We took blood samples and assessed cardiovascular function one, two, three, five and eight hours after they drank the juice. Blood pressure was taken hourly. No food or drink was provided during the study period except for mineral water. Each person returned to the lab at least two weeks after the first visit to repeat the test with the other intervention drink."

She added: "Compared with the placebo, we found that cherry juice concentrate reduced peak blood pressure by 7mmHG. The blood pressure lowering effects of cherry juice are comparable to those achieved by some antihypertensive drugs – such as beta blockers and diuretics – in people with mild hypertension. Our findings suggest that Montmorency cherries could be used alongside standard treatment to manage hypertension.

"We found that the greatest improvements in systolic blood pressure occurred in people who had the highest blood concentrations of some of the phenolic compounds found in Montmorency cherries. Although long ignored, phenolic compounds – which are found in many plants – are now attracting widespread attention. Unlike the “traditional” nutrients, they don’t seem to be essential for short-term well-being – but there is increasing evidence that long-term intakes may reduce the incidence of some cancers and many chronic diseases, including CVD. We attribute much of the previously established health benefits of Montmorency cherry juice to these plant compounds."