Drinking tomato juice regularly may help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure).
Tomato juice helps reduce blood pressure thanks to its potassium content, which balances sodium levels, the antioxidant compound lycopene that protects blood vessels and supports heart health, and dietary fiber that lowers harmful cholesterol. Together, these factors contribute to improved systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings—especially when unsalted tomato juice is consumed daily as part of a healthy diet.
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How Does Tomato Juice Lower Blood Pressure?
Potassium:
Potassium, which is abundant in tomatoes, helps counteract the effects of excess sodium (salt) in the body, thereby reducing pressure on blood vessel walls.
Lycopene:
This powerful antioxidant compound gives tomatoes their red color and helps protect blood vessels and improve their health, contributing to blood pressure regulation and preventing hypertension.
Dietary Fiber:
Fiber helps lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), reducing the risk of heart disease and improving arterial function.
When Should Tomato Juice Be Avoided?
Tomato juice is not suitable for everyone. It is advisable to avoid it or consult a doctor first in the following cases:
Kidney disease:
Potassium in tomato juice may accumulate in the blood if kidney function is impaired. Elevated potassium levels can cause irregular heartbeats.
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):
Tomato juice is acidic and may trigger or worsen symptoms.
Monitoring sodium intake:
Store-bought tomato juices often contain high levels of salt, which may raise blood pressure instead of lowering it.
Use of certain blood pressure or heart medications:
Potassium content may interact with ACE inhibitors, such as Altace (ramipril), or potassium-sparing diuretics like Aldactone.
Important Tips:
Choose unsalted tomato juice: Opt for natural juice made from fresh tomatoes or unsalted varieties, as excess sodium in processed products may increase blood pressure.
Consistency matters: Studies show that drinking one cup daily can improve blood pressure readings over time.
Not a substitute for treatment: Tomato juice is a healthy supplement and should not replace prescribed medication. Always consult a doctor before relying on it as a sole treatment for high blood pressure.
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