A New York-based consultant in biotech and information technology, Richard DiVenuto has an entrepreneurial presence that spans California, Florida, and Boston, Massachusetts. Among Richard DiVenuto’s areas of interest are the role of diet and exercise in promoting longevity and wellness.
As reported in the journal Hypertension, a study of 56 adults over age 51 brought focus to the potentially life extending impact of cranberry juice. Over a two month period, participants were split into two groups. They were either given low-calorie cranberry juice or a placebo beverage of the same red color. Researchers took blood pressure readings prior to, during, and after consuming the beverage.
Over the course of the study, the cranberry juice group had an average diastolic blood pressure reading (68.6mmHg) that was significantly less than that of the placebo group (72.2mmHg). (This measures arterial pressure as the heart rests between beats). At the same time, systolic blood pressure decreased among regular cranberry juice consumers from a baseline of 121.9mmHg to 118.6mmHg. (This measures pressure the heart exerts as the heart beats and pumps blood into the arteries).
Beyond its ability to lower blood pressure, cranberry juice has strong antioxidant properties, which make it useful in reducing inflammation and fighting disease. The elevated flavonoids boost gamma delta T-cells, which in turn generate cytokines and enhances the immune response. These qualities make cranberry juice an essential dietary component among those seeking to promote a balanced immune system and cardiovascular health.
