The Effect of a Fruit and Vegetable Mix on Hypertensive Subjects and Its Potential as a High Compliance Alternative to the D.A.S.H. Diet

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE has such severe morbidity that it has been dubbed “The Silent Killer”. Primary hypertension is considered to be an expression of a pathophysiological condition of the vascular system. Over the last decade, the lifestyle and pharmacological treatment recommendations and goals have become more aggressive. The dietary modification called the “Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension” (DASH) has been shown to significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Recent studies suggest that many nutraceuticals have potentially salubrious effects on hypertension. A pilot study was conducted at Logan College using a fruit and vegetable green powder mix drink that purported to provide levels of phytochemicals similar to the DASH diet. Results on blood pressure reduction displayed similar efficacy as the DASH diet. Considering the compliance hurdles implicit in the DASH diet, it is suggested that clinical investigation in the use of such phytochemical rich fruit and vegetable powders may be a reasonable, science based alternative treatment option for the physician.