A new study published in the medical journal The American Journal of Medicine found that in addition to taking medication, patients with high blood pressure who added 2-4 cups of fruits and vegetables to their daily diet would help lower blood pressure, significantly reduce cardiovascular risk factors, and protect the kidneys better than taking medication alone, according to the medical website Medical News Today.

Scientists from Dell Medical School, University of Texas (USA) conducted a test on 153 patients with high blood pressure at high risk of chronic kidney disease.

Add 2 - 4 cups of fruits and vegetables every day

After 5 years of follow-up, the results showed that a diet supplemented with more fruits and vegetables has a 2-in-1 effect, both protecting the kidneys and preventing heart disease for patients with high blood pressure.

Specifically, those who consumed an additional 2–4 cups of fruits and vegetables per day, in addition to their usual diet, had better protection for kidney health and kidney function than those who took medication alone. At the same time, these people also had the greatest reduction in blood pressure, with greater improvements in cardiovascular markers, including weight and bad cholesterol levels, compared to the usual treatment group, according to Medical News Today.

Researchers have concluded that patients with high blood pressure should follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to help control the disease.

Study author Dr Donald Wesson, professor of medicine at the University of Texas, said: This study calls for patients with high blood pressure to include a diet rich in fruits and vegetables in the treatment of hypertension, combined with medication, to achieve blood pressure goals and prevent kidney and cardiovascular complications.

According to the American Heart Association, one serving of fruits and vegetables is equivalent to 5 to 8 broccoli florets or 1 banana, 1 cup of raw vegetables or 4 large strawberries. The organization also recommends that people eat 4 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

The DASH diet, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent complications of chronic kidney disease, also encourages high consumption of fruits and vegetables, with four to six servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Additionally, this diet also encourages consuming plenty of whole grains, nonfat dairy, some lean meat, nuts, and beans every day.