Black Raspberry Extract May Lower Blood Pressure

Article by Arnie Gitomer

Black Raspberry Extract May Lower Blood Pressure

Black raspberry extract may lower blood pressure in those with elevated levels. In this study, 45 people with prehypertension took a placebo or 1,500 mg or 2,500 mg of black raspberry extract powder per day. After eight weeks, while there were no changes for placebo, those in the high-dose black raspberry group saw an average decrease of 3.3 mmHg in 24-hour systolic blood pressure, and a 5.4 mmHg decrease in nighttime systolic blood pressure. The berry benefit may come from the bioactive anthocyanins, flavanols, resveratrol, and tannins in the fruit that stimulate nitric oxide, a natural compound that relaxes and dilates blood vessels.

Reference: Nutrition Journal; October, 2015, Published Online

Additional Comments . . . from Don Goldberg

What is the message you can take away from this study? If you think the message is that you should run out and look to purchase “black raspberry extract,” I think you might be missing the point. The key is the comment by the authors, “The berry benefit may come from the bioactive anthocyanins, flavanols, resveratrol, and tannins in the fruit that stimulate nitric oxide, a natural compound that relaxes and dilates blood vessels.”

All antioxidant-rich dark colored fruits and vegetables will most likely provide the same benefit. We already knows that, and this study just supports that fact. I look at this as just one more reason to incorporate those type of foods into your diet, and use supplements to make sure you get optimal levels. I like the two Willner Chemists PhytoTech products, Antiox Phyto Complex II (Product Code 63745, Capsules) and Antiox Phyto Blend Liquid (Product Code 57551, Liquid) for just this purpose.

As some of you know, from our radio show days, I am a fanatic when it comes to the Antiox Phyto Blend Liquid. I carry the bottle with me even to restaurants, and add a dropper full to my favorite cocktail, and margarita! Cheers.