Norwegian researchers have found that eating three kiwi fruits per day can significantly cuts blood pressure in people with mild hypertension.
A new trial says the fuzzy-skinned kiwi fruit may outrun apple in warding off cardiovascular disease.
The eight-week study led by Mette Svendsen of Oslo University Hospital involved 188 Norwegian adults who all had a mildly high blood pressure.
The participants were randomly assigned to two groups either eating three kiwis or a proverbial apple a day.
After about two months, the higher blood pressure measurement called systolic pressure was on average 3.6 millimeters of mercury lower in the kiwi group.
According to the results presented at the American Heart Association scientific meeting in Orlando, the minimum blood pressure reading known as diastolic pressure was also lower in the kiwi group, but not enough to show a significant association with eating kiwi.
“Three kiwis a day improved 24-hour blood pressure more than an apple a day,” Svendsen and her colleagues concluded but urged for larger investigations to evaluate and confirm their preliminary study.
Experts say the early findings doesn't mean that hypertension patients have to eat three kiwis because they can easily get much of the beneficent antioxidants and trace elements via other accessible fruits and vegetables.
SJM/TE
Poster Comment:
I guess apple growers will just have to provide a larger research grant. Note that possible side effects aren't mentioned but no doubt less than taking big pharma's meds. But one kiwi fruit at each meal should be ok.