Jul 17, 2008 7:42 pm US/Mountain
Certain Minerals Help With High Blood Pressure
(CBS4)
A study finds the answer to high blood pressure in three common minerals.
CBS4's Dr. Dave Hnida says calcium, magnesium, and potassium can help to lower your blood pressure.
Most Americans take in only half of what they should of these minerals, but these minerals help to relax and open up blood vessels.
Upping the dose of the three minerals can lower blood pressure by about 15 points off the top number and 10 points off the bottom.
And it isn't hard to do.
Calcium is found in low fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and fortified orange juice.
Potatoes, cherries, grapes and apples are good sources of potassium.
Eating green leafy vegetables along with whole grains and beans gives you a good amount of magnesium.
However one bad mineral that people take in double the daily amount is salt, and it is the leading cause of high blood pressure.
Patients who take several servings of calcium, magnesium, and potassium a day will likely see a drop in blood pressure in about 3 weeks, according to the study.
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