Chicken Soup May Lower Blood Pressure (2024)

Oct. 17 -- THURSDAY, Oct. 16 (HealthDay News) -- Chicken soup, which has been dubbed Grandma's penicillin for its purported cold-fighting abilities, may also help to lower high blood pressure, a new study suggests.

Japanese researchers have found that collagen proteins found in chicken may actually lower blood pressure. These collagens appear to act like the blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors.

One caveat, though: it's the chicken, not the rest of the stuff in the soup, that may be medicinal.

"As this study suggests, some collagen in chicken may lower blood pressure," said Dr. Byron Lee, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine. "But be careful. The salt we put on our chicken and in our chicken soup may offset or even reverse this potential benefit."

That may be why Ai Saiga and colleagues at the Nippon Meat Packers Inc.'s Research and Development Center are looking to find ways to use chicken collagen as a blood pressure medication. Their report will be published in the Oct. 22 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Previous studies had found that chicken breast meat contained only small amounts of collagen -- too little to be used to develop food and medications for high blood pressure. But chicken legs and feet contain much more collagen, the researchers said.

For the new study, the researchers took collagen from chicken legs and tested it to see if it had the same properties as ACE inhibitors. They found that four proteins in the meat had collagen that acted like the drug.

When they gave these proteins to rats that replicated a human model of high blood pressure, the proteins caused a significant decrease in blood pressure, the researchers found.

"Chicken collagen hydrolysate prepared in this study was composed of foods that can be easily incorporated into the daily diet," the researchers wrote. "By incorporating these foods into meals, normalization of blood pressure will be achieved without compromising the quality of life of those who need such foods."

Chicken Soup May Lower Blood Pressure (2024)

FAQs

Chicken Soup May Lower Blood Pressure? ›

The chicken leg proteins were found to cause a fall in blood pressure, but this slowly wore off over the 24 hour period. As a result, the researchers concluded people could eat chicken soup made from chicken leg meat to help lower their blood pressure further.

Can chicken soup lower blood pressure? ›

Japanese researchers have found that collagen proteins found in chicken may actually lower blood pressure. These collagens appear to act like the blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors. One caveat, though: it's the chicken, not the rest of the stuff in the soup, that may be medicinal.

Can I drink chicken broth with high blood pressure? ›

While easy to prepare, canned soups, and often packaged stocks, and broths are high in sodium, meaning they are generally viewed as bad foods for high blood pressure. For example, a typical can of vegetable or chicken soup may contain a total of 2,140mgs of sodium.

Is boil chicken good for high blood pressure? ›

Chicken is not only a delicious and versatile choice, but it also is backed by dietary recommendations and research, making it a healthy addition to your eating routine, especially if trying to lower blood pressure.

Is it okay to eat chicken soup everyday? ›

Hence, a bowl of chicken soup can be a great addition in your daily diet. Other key ingredients in a chicken soup include onions, garlic and additional vegetables that add flavour and a healthy dose of important nutrients that is needed for a well-functioning immune system.

Why do doctors recommend chicken soup? ›

Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus. The herbs and spices sometimes used in chicken soup, such as pepper and garlic, also loosen mucus. The broth, which contains water and electrolytes, helps with rehydration.

What is the best drink in the morning for high blood pressure? ›

There are a range of drinks that may help lower a person's blood pressure in the morning. If a person with hypertension usually drinks coffee or sugary juice in the morning, it may be beneficial for them to swap it for beetroot juice, unsalted tomato juice, green tea, or unsweetened pomegranate juice.

What is the number one fruit to lower blood pressure? ›

The top fruits for lowering blood pressure include bananas, apples, pears, apricots, grapes, raisins, kiwis, mangoes, watermelon, pomegranate, plums, prunes, avocado, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, tomatoes, citrus fruit, berries, and more.

What to eat when BP is high? ›

Healthy diet

The more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure. Aim to eat less than 6g (0.2oz) of salt a day, which is about a teaspoonful. Eating a low-fat diet that includes lots of fibre, such as wholegrain rice, bread and pasta, and plenty of fruit and vegetables also helps lower blood pressure.

What should we eat immediately when BP is low? ›

Here's What To Eat To Help Raise Low Blood Pressure:
  • Drink Plenty of Fluids. When you're dehydrated, your blood volume is reduced, which causes your blood pressure to decrease. ...
  • Eat Salty Foods. ...
  • Drink Caffeine. ...
  • Boost Your B12 Intake. ...
  • Fill Up On Folate. ...
  • Cut Back On Carbs. ...
  • Reduce Meal Size. ...
  • Easy On The Alcohol.

How can I bring my blood pressure down quickly? ›

In addition to deep breathing exercises, other methods that may help reduce stress and lower blood pressure include: taking a short walk, acupuncture, drinking hibiscus tea, and getting some sun. If calming techniques don't help, consult a physician immediately.

Do bananas lower blood pressure quickly? ›

No single food can quickly lower blood pressure. However, some foods may help a person lower their blood pressure in general. These include anthocyanin-rich berries , bananas and other foods containing potassium, beetroot juice and beets, leafy green vegetables , and more.

What are the worst drinks for high blood pressure? ›

Here are some drinks that you may need to limit or avoid if you have high blood pressure:
  • Soda. Most soft drinks are loaded with added sugar, which could significantly increase your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
  • Sweetened beverages. ...
  • Energy drinks. ...
  • Alcohol.

Does boiled eggs lower blood pressure? ›

Eggs don't have a direct impact on blood pressure, Dr. Hausvater adds—for example, eating a couple eggs won't cause a surge upward or a sudden downward dip—but they may have an indirect effect because they contain potassium and calcium, which contribute to lower blood pressure.

What foods can I eat to lower my blood pressure? ›

6
  • Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and desserts.
  • Limiting foods high in saturated fat.
  • Consuming fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
  • Eating fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils.
Feb 13, 2024

Is chicken good for low BP? ›

Lean protein that is also low in salt and fat is found in chicken. This makes it a great option for people who are trying to lower their blood pressure. Chicken also contains several nutrients that are beneficial for people with low blood pressure, including potassium and magnesium.

What are the side effects of chicken soup? ›

Adverse Reactions

Anaphylaxis has been reported. Aspiration of bone material has been documented. Hypernatremia due to the sodium content has also been reported. Hyperuricemia is possible with soup made from bones.

Does chicken soup spike blood sugar? ›

Chicken soup is a low-GI meal option, helping you maintain stable blood sugars. If you have unstable blood sugar, or are working towards reversing your pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, you might like to hold off on the bread for this one!

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