A Mediterranean diet is known to combat high blood pressure and researchers have linked unsaturated fats, nitrite and nitrate to a reduced blood pressure in rodents. A typical Mediterranean diet consists of olive oil, plant-based foods, paired with fish or chicken.
The investigation examined the process by which unsaturated fat combine with nitrite and nitrate to form nitro fatty acids. It showed that these nitro fatty acids inhibit the activity of an enzyme called soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH), which then leads to the reduction of blood pressure.
When mice were fed unsaturated fats and food rich in nitrite and nitrate, the enzyme was inhibited in the mice and they showed reduced signs of blood pressure. This study can then help develop future medication that can mimic these results in humans.
This is personally interesting given the fact that I know many people affected by high blood pressure. It gives me bright hopes and aspirations for the future of medicine and biochemistry.
This is super cool Yesenia! Definitely helpful for the future of treating high blood pressure, which is a more and more common problem lately.