Vitamin C helps patients control their blood pressure

Researchers studied about 1,400 hypertension patients between the ages of 22 and 74 who took on average 500 milligrams of daily vitamin C supplements over an eight-week period.

The amount was almost five times higher than what recommended by nutritionists for daily vitamin C intake of an adult person, said researchers of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, US.

According to the findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, after almost 8 weeks the average systolic blood pressure (the higher reading) of the patients decreased by nearly 5 points while their diastolic pressure (the lower number) dropped by about 1.7 points.

“Our research suggests a modest blood pressure lowering effect with vitamin C supplementation,” said lead researcher Dr. Edgar “Pete” R. Miller III.

"But before we can recommend supplements as a treatment for high blood pressure, we really need more research to understand the implications of taking them,” he emphasized.

Eating fruits and vegetables rich in natural vitamin C such as kiwi, strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers, parsley and cauliflower are tasty and healthy options which can have many benefits for patients.