Three everyday red drinks could help lower blood pressure, even though they are not marketed as wellness products. Unsalted tomato juice, beetroot juice and hibiscus tea have all been linked to reductions in blood pressure in research cited by health organisations.
Why blood pressure matters
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) describes high blood pressure, or hypertension, as a serious condition that can increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke or kidney damage if left untreated. It estimates that 16 million people in the UK have high blood pressure, but nearly 5 million of them are unaware of it.
Often called the “silent killer”, the BHF says high blood pressure is best tackled by cutting back on salt, eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, and checking readings regularly. While those steps are crucial, certain red-coloured drinks could also offer support.
Unsalted tomato juice
A 2019 study involving 481 residents concluded that unsalted tomato juice intake could improve systolic and diastolic blood pressure in Japanese residents with untreated prehypertension or hypertension. It also decreased serum LDL-C levels in those with untreated dyslipidemia.
The study noted that because tomato juice is an affordable and readily available product, it could help prevent cardiovascular disease in people at risk. Shoppers should check labels, as many tomato juices contain added salt.
Beetroot juice and hibiscus tea
The BHF advises that a 150ml portion of beetroot juice only counts once a day towards the 5-a-day target and naturally contains around 10g of sugar. Research from the University of Exeter found that beetroot juice lowers blood pressure in older people, possibly due to changes in their oral microbiome.
The NHS notes that research published in the European Respiratory Journal found a daily beetroot juice supplement lowered blood pressure and improved exercise capacity in people with COPD. The study, led by Professor Nicholas Hopkinson, involved patients from Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. He said: “There is some evidence that beetroot juice as a source of nitrate supplementation could be used by athletes to improve their performance, as well as a few short-term studies looking at blood pressure. Higher levels of nitrate in the blood can increase the availability of nitric oxide, a chemical that helps blood vessels relax. It also increases the efficiency of muscles, meaning they need less oxygen to do the same work.”
Experts at VeryWellHealth note that drinking hibiscus tea daily, hot or cold, may help reduce blood pressure. One study found that daily consumption of three servings of hibiscus tea effectively lowered blood pressure in pre- and mildly hypertensive adults. Because it is caffeine-free, it can be enjoyed at any time without affecting sleep.
Anyone concerned about their blood pressure should speak to their GP.
