Milk can lower blood pressure

Drinking three glasses of fat free milk can help prevent high blood pressure in older people according to new research. A growing number of older people live with the problem, often without realising it, according to a recent study published in the journal Circulation. Untreated, they are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

Scientists have found that aside from its benefits in keeping bones strong, low fat milk contains a wealth of essential vitamins including calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, protein and potassium – all of which help to reduce blood pressure.
In the UK, about half of people over 65, and about one in four middle-aged adults, have high blood pressure. It is more common in people who have a family history of high blood pressure, are overweight, eat a lot of salt, don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, don’t exercise, or drink a lot of alcohol.

But, new research has found that middle-aged adults who drink skimmed milk and other low-fat dairy foods may have lower blood pressure.

This study is the first to link low-fat dairy intake to lower blood pressure in middle-aged patients. Previously, research had only found benefits in children and young adults.

The findings from these studies do not prove that low-fat dairy foods have a direct benefit on blood pressure, explained Dr Alvaro Alonso, lead researcher. But he said it at least seems that people who want to prevent high blood pressure can include low-fat dairy foods in their diets.

Milk, the researchers noted, provides certain proteins – caseins and whey proteins – that may act in a similar way to blood pressure-lowering drugs. They speculate that these proteins may help explain the study results.

So, if you are looking to prevent high blood pressure, this study suggests that you may want to switch to low-fat dairy products, but you should consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or diet.

(Back to Senior Health)