People who ate 7.2 to 18.9 grams of fiber a day experienced a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Studies that continued for eight or more weeks also showed significant reductions in blood pressure.

Researchers at the Tulane University School of Medicine conducted a meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials published before February 2004, to assess the effect of dietary fiber intake on blood pressure.

Dietary fiber intake was associated with a significant -1.65 mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure ( DBP ) and a non-significant -1.15 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure ( SBP ).

A significant reduction in both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure was observed in trials conducted among patients with hypertension ( SBP -5.95 mmHg; DBP -4.20 mmHg ) and in trials with a duration of intervention for eight or more weeks ( SBP -3.12 mmHg; DBP -2.57 mmHg ).

The results indicate that increased intake of dietary fiber may reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

An intervention period of at least 8 weeks may be necessary to achieve the maximum reduction in blood pressure.

The Researchers recommend that people add fruits and vegetables to their diets in order to increase dietary fiber intake. People can also get dietary fiber in pill form.

Source : Journal of Hypertension, 2005

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