Eating foods daily that contain isoflavones, a key compound in green tea, soy milk, tofu, and even peanuts, may help young adults lower their blood pressure. For the first time, according to research presented March 25th at the American College of Cardiology’s 61st Annual Scientific Session, there appears to be a particular benefit for African Americans, a population that has hypertension prevalence rates near 42 percent.
The results of this study are applicable to the general population and strongly suggest a blood pressure benefit for moderate amounts of dietary isoflavone intake in young black and white adults. Compared to those consuming less than 0.33 mg of isoflavones per day, those reporting the most isoflavone intake (more than 2.5 mg per day) had a significantly lower systolic blood pressure (-5.5 mmHg lower on average).
Isoflavones are thought to work by increasing the production of enzymes that create nitric oxide (NO), a substance that helps to dilate or widen blood vessels, thereby reducing the pressure created by blood against the vessel walls.
Source: American College of Cardiology
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