Skimmed Milk Reduces Blood Pressure

A recent study by Dutch researches found drinking skimmed milk every day slashed the risk of high blood pressure by up to 30 percent. Middle-aged men and women who drank milk daily are believed to be less likely to have high blood pressure later on. Experts think minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium — all found in skimmed milk but without the saturated fat — could play a vital role.

About one out of three U.S. adults — 31.3 percent — has high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure tends to run in families and is also more common in people who smoke or are obese.

People diagnosed with hypertension are encouraged to make lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure including following a healthy diet, losing weight and reducing salt, caffeine and alcohol intake.