High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, affecting nearly half of adults in the US. Besides medication and lifestyle changes, recent studies show that a simple habit like drinking lemonade regularly can bring certain benefits to blood pressure.
Lemon juice contains vitamin C, citric acid and potassium, important nutrients for the cardiovascular system. These compounds help improve blood vessel function, support vasodilation, thereby reducing blood pressure on blood vessel walls. When blood vessels dilate better, blood pressure tends to stabilize and the risk of blood vessel damage also decreases.
Lemon juice, hydration and role with blood pressure
Another important benefit of lemon juice is that it helps the body maintain a state of hydration. According to nutrition studies, chronic dehydration is associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure. Getting enough water every day helps maintain stable blood volume and supports the heart to pump blood more effectively.
Nutrition expert Jonathan Purtell, working at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (USA), said: "Keeping the body hydrated is a fundamental factor for cardiovascular health. Lemon juice can help some people drink water more regularly, thereby indirectly supporting blood pressure control.
In addition, the natural potassium content in lemon helps balance fluids and electrolytes in the body. Potassium plays an important role in reducing the impact of sodium, a factor that increases blood pressure when consumed excessively. When the body retains less excess water, pressure on blood vessels also decreases.
Support weight and reduce caffeine dependence
Drinking lemon water also contributes to supporting maintaining a healthy weight. Many studies show that drinking water before meals helps reduce hunger and calorie intake. Because overweight and obesity are major risk factors for high blood pressure, weight control is important in disease prevention.
In addition, replacing a portion of coffee with lemon juice, especially in the morning, can help reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine is known to be a substance that can temporarily increase blood pressure, especially in sensitive people.
However, experts note that most evidence of the blood pressure lowering effect of lemon juice is still based on preclinical studies. Lemon juice cannot replace medication, but can be a positive supportive habit when combined with a healthy diet and scientific lifestyle.
