Grapes: Can They Help With Low Blood Pressure? (Expert Answer)
✪ Key Takeaway: Grapes lower blood pressure through vasodilation and will not help raise low blood pressure levels effectively. Introduction You have probably heard that grapes are heart-healthy and good for your cardiovascular system. But if you struggle with low blood pressure, you might wonder whether this popular fruit can actually help raise your numbers to a healthier range. Hi, I am Abdur, your nutrition coach and today I am going to explain exactly how grapes affect your blood pressure and whether they can help with hypotension or make it worse. What Do Grapes Actually Do To Blood Pressure? Grapes contain powerful polyphenols that have been extensively studied for their cardiovascular effects. Research shows that these compounds promote the production of nitric oxide in your blood vessel walls. Nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator, which means it relaxes and widens your blood vessels. When your blood vessels widen, the resistance to blood flow decreases and your blood pressure drops. A study published in PLOS One found that grape consumption significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in people with metabolic syndrome. This mechanism works beautifully for people with high blood pressure, but it creates a problem for those with low blood pressure. If your blood pressure is already low, eating grapes could potentially make it drop even further. ✪ Fact: Grape polyphenols can reduce blood pressure by up to 6 mmHg in people with elevated levels. Why Do People Think Grapes Might Help Low Blood Pressure? The confusion comes from the fact