Cologne's Impact On Blood Pressure: A Surprising Link

While there is no evidence that cologne can directly lower blood pressure, certain scents have been found to have an impact on blood pressure.

A study published in the Journal of Physiological Sciences found that the inhalation of grapefruit essential oil caused an increase in diastolic blood pressure. However, other studies have shown that aromatherapy using essential oils may be an effective alternative treatment for hypertension.

In addition, certain foods and drinks have been found to help lower blood pressure. These include fruits, vegetables, nuts, fatty fish, and fermented foods.

Citrus fruits

Additionally, citrus fruits have good amounts of other vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly, including B vitamins, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, and copper. They are also a good source of fiber, which improves digestive health and aids weight loss.

• 1 small clementine: 35
• 1/2 pink grapefruit: 52
• 1/2 white grapefruit: 39
• Juice from 1 lemon: 12

However, it is important to note that eating lots of citrus fruits or juices could increase the risk of cavities as the acid in citrus fruits erodes tooth enamel.

Blueberries

A 2019 study found that consuming 200 grams of blueberries (about one cup) daily can improve blood vessel function and decrease systolic blood pressure. The study, which was published in The Journals of Gerontology, recruited 40 healthy men and randomly gave them either a drink containing 200 grams of whole wild blueberries or a control drink. The team monitored the men's blood pressure as well as the flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery in their upper arms. They found that flow-mediated dilation improved by about 2% within two hours of consuming the blueberry drink, and this effect was sustained after one month of daily consumption. On average, systolic blood pressure fell by 5 millimetres of mercury.

Another study found that those who consumed blueberries (in the form of freeze-dried blueberry powder) experienced a 5.1% and 6.3% reduction in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively.

According to data published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, enjoying one cup of blueberries each week may even reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure in the first place. A 2011 study found that the participants with the highest intake of the anthocyanin flavonoid (with blueberries and strawberries being the primary source) had an 8% reduced risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those who ate the least amount of anthocyanins.

However, it is important to note that blueberries should not replace any hypertension medication you are currently taking. Quitting heart medication abruptly can negatively affect your health and even cause a heart condition to worsen. Always speak with your doctor before making any changes to your medication.

Bananas

Potassium helps to reduce the effects of sodium and alleviate tension in the walls of blood vessels. However, people with late-stage kidney disease should be careful with their potassium consumption and consult a doctor before increasing their intake.

In addition to potassium, bananas also contain magnesium, beneficial phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fibre. The fibre in bananas acts as a prebiotic, serving as food for the "good" microbes in the gut that are essential for digestion and linked to overall health.

So, if you're looking to lower your blood pressure, bananas are definitely a fruit to consider including in your daily diet.

Pomegranate juice

A 2017 review of eight clinical trials showed that pomegranate juice reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The effect remained even when consuming pomegranate juice at different amounts. The authors concluded that it "may be prudent to include this fruit juice in a heart-healthy diet."

However, results are mixed on whether pomegranate juice helps lower cholesterol. Researchers in a 2019 review examined 17 trials but did not find any significant effects on cholesterol. Researchers said it was hard to compare the trials because they were designed differently and did not use consistent amounts of pomegranate.

Nuts

While some research shows a positive relationship between eating nuts and lower blood pressure, the evidence is mixed in clinical studies. Scientists believe the conflicting results could be because clinical studies involving nuts and blood pressure measurements might be too short in time to identify any potential effects on lowering blood pressure. Longer studies may help researchers better understand how nuts may lower blood pressure.

In one study, participants who consumed around 2-3 ounces of walnuts daily as a snack experienced lower central diastolic blood pressure. Researchers believe these effects may be due to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, in addition to the nut's antioxidants, which can help improve blood flow.

Another study found that adults with high cholesterol found consuming about 1.5 ounces of pistachios daily reduced systolic blood pressure during acute mental stress and at rest. The study also found that replacing low-fat snacks with pistachios equal to around 20% of a person's total daily calorie intake (about 3 ounces) improves blood pressure in adults with well-controlled type 2 diabetes.

Almonds are also a great option, as they contain antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and magnesium, which may help reduce blood pressure. One review of studies found that consuming more than 43 grams of almonds daily for six weeks led to considerable improvements in diastolic blood pressure.

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