Lower sodium version of traditional Chinese cuisine dropped blood pressure: Study

Researchers have created a heart-healthy, lower sodium version of traditional Chinese cuisine that was appetizing, affordable and significantly lowered blood pressure among adults diagnosed with hypertension.

The heart-healthy Chinese diet reduced sodium intake in half, from nearly 6,000 mg daily to about 3,000 mg daily, and featured reduced fat, increased protein and carbohydrates, twice as much dietary fibre and increased potassium. People with high blood pressure may benefit from adopting a similar heart-healthy, lower sodium diet.

A key feature of the Chinese heart-healthy diet, modeled along the lines of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, was sodium reduction. An unhealthy diet, especially one high in sodium, is a key modifiable risk factor for high blood pressure. Researchers measured the participants' blood pressure before and after the study, and once a week during the study.

Food ingredients were weighed for each dish to calculate nutrient intake for each meal. Urine samples to measure sodium and potassium intake were collected at the start and the end of the study. The results indicated the blood pressure-lowering effect of the Chinese heart-healthy diet may be substantial and compatible with hypertension medications.