You are probably already familiar with the many advantages of yogurt. This dairy product is created through bacterial fermentation, a process that enhances its nutritional value, particularly its protein, calcium, vitamin, and probiotic content, which supports digestive health.
Due to its rich nutritional profile, yogurt is commonly included in diet plans. However, aside from its role in weight management, yogurt is also believed to offer additional health benefits—one of which is helping to reduce high blood pressure.
Yoghurt Nutrition Content
It’s no surprise that yogurt is considered a nutritious choice, especially for those maintaining a healthy diet. In every 100 grams of plain yogurt, you can find the following nutrients:
- Energy: 61 kcal
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.7 g
- Magnesium: 17 mg
- Calcium: 183 mg
- Potassium: 234 mg
In addition to these essential nutrients, yogurt also contains various vitamins, including riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), and pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
How Yogurt Benefits People with High Blood Pressure
A study conducted on 915 individuals with hypertension found that lifestyle and dietary habits play a significant role in blood pressure regulation. During the study, participants provided health data, including cholesterol levels, blood glucose, and blood pressure readings, along with records of their dietary intake.
Based on the collected information, researchers discovered that individuals who consumed yogurt daily experienced lower blood pressure. This effect was particularly noticeable in participants who had been managing hypertension for an extended period.
According to Verywell Fit, yogurt is believed to contribute to blood pressure control through the following mechanisms:
Yogurt Contains Essential Minerals for Regulating Blood Pressure
The American Heart Association highlights that specific minerals are crucial for maintaining blood pressure stability. These include calcium, magnesium, and potassium. A study found that women who consumed yogurt at least five times per week had a 17-23% lower risk of developing hypertension compared to those who rarely ate yogurt.
Yogurt Aids in Blood Vessel Dilation
One of the key nutrients in yogurt that supports blood pressure control is potassium. This mineral helps expand blood vessels, ensuring smoother blood circulation, which in turn can lower blood pressure levels.
Yogurt Helps Reduce Stress
Yogurt is known to be beneficial for easing stress and anxiety disorders. As a probiotic-rich food, yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that promote mental well-being.
Probiotics are believed to enhance the connection between the gut and the brain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which boosts mood.
By enhancing mood stability, stress levels in the body decrease, ultimately lowering the risk of hypertension.
Although research has highlighted the potential benefits of yogurt for individuals with hypertension, many other factors influence blood pressure levels. Simply incorporating yogurt into your diet will not significantly lower high blood pressure unless it is combined with comprehensive lifestyle modifications.
Further studies are still necessary to confirm the full impact of yogurt consumption on blood pressure regulation. If you aim to manage hypertension effectively, it is recommended to avoid high-sodium foods, deep-fried meals, foods rich in saturated fats, and excessive alcohol intake.
For optimal blood pressure management, regular health check-ups, adherence to prescribed blood pressure medications, a
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
Barney, A. (2022). 5 Ways Yogurt Boosts Your Health. Availablle from: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/5-ways-yogurt-boosts-your-health#
Millard. E. (2021). Yogurt May Help Manage High Blood Pressure, Study Says. Available from: https://www.verywellfit.com/yogurt-may-help-manage-high-blood-pressure-5213851
Science Daily. (2021). A daily dose of yogurt could be the go-to food to manage high blood pressure. Available from: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211207152554.htm
University of South Australia. A daily dose of yoghurt could be the go-to food to manage high blood pressure. Available from: https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2021/a-daily-dose-of-yoghurt-could-be-the-go-to-food--to-manage-high-blood-pressure/
Ware, M. (2018). Everything you need to know about yogurt. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295714#nutrition