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Italian cheese, specifically Grana Padano, can help to reduce blood pressure according to a new study.
Researchers from the Hypertension Unit of Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital and Catholic University of Piacenza (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore) in Italy tested 30 adults with hypertension (high blood pressure) over two months. Some were given a portion (28g/1oz) of Grana Padano per day to consume, while others were given a “placebo imitation cheese” – we dread to think what this consisted of.
Encouraging Results
Significant drops in systolic and diasltolic blood pressures were observed in those who had consumed the Italian hard cheese, while at the same time no changes in BMI, blood lipids or blood sugar levels were observed.
Healthy Diet
According to the study's lead author, Giuseppe Crippa M.D., "The effects are similar to what you would expect with antihypertensive medications” and “Adding a little Grana Padano to a healthy diet may provide clinically significant blood pressure lowering benefits."
He said a “little” everyone, just a little.
Other foods to lower blood pressure as part of a healthy diet reportedly include blueberries, beets and pistachios.
