Adding cheap lentils to meals could combat high blood pressure

Lentils could combat high blood pressure, research suggests.

An ‘amazing’ trial on rats revealed the pulse, used in curries and soups can slash blood pressure that rises with age, according to Daily Mail.

High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a silent killer and can lead to strokes, heart attacks and heart failure.

But the study offered hope of a cheap and easy way of combating high blood pressure.

The scientists also discovered eating lentils can reverse declines in blood vessel health.

 Dr Peter Zahradka, one of the lead authors of the two experiments on the effects of lentils, branded the results ‘amazing’.

He added: ‘They provide a non-pharmacological way of treating diseases associated with blood vessel dysfunction.’

The first study revealed eating a mixture of legumes can improve blood flow to the legs of rats with peripheral artery disease. 

The condition is like heart disease, except it occurs in the legs. It is caused by the build-up of fatty deposits in the artery walls. 

The second study uncovered that eating lentils is effective in blocking high blood pressure, which strikes a quarter of adults. 

It comes after researchers issued a warning that lentils can potentially disrupt breast cancer treatment.

Experts discovered they contain oestrogen-like compounds that counteract the effects of a common cancer therapy. 

N.H.Kh