A study by CCARM scientists Peter Zahradka and Carla Taylor on the anti-hypertensive effects of lentils was recently highlighted in the publication Manitoba Co-Operator – which provides production, marketing and policy news selected for relevance to crops and livestock producers in Manitoba. With roots going back to 1925, the Co-operator is an institution in Manitoba, received by most farmers in the province.
The study, conducted in rats, showed that adding lentils to the diet can effectively block the increase in blood pressure that occurs with age. The findings also indicate that eating lentils can reverse the changes that occur in blood vessels as a result of high blood pressure.