Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and miso contain peptides that inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) , much in the same way as ACE inhibitor drugs like Vasotec (enalapril) and Privnil (lisinopril) used to lower blood pressure. Although the following foods cannot "treat" hypertension (high blood pressure), they can be a beneficial part of a heart-healthy diet.

1. Yogurt

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Yogurt is made by fermenting milk with live bacterial cultures. The fermentation process transforms milk's natural sugar (lactose) into lactic acid. Lactic acid, in turn, breaks down milk proteins (casein) into compounds called peptides that may inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

Among the peptides in yogurt that exert the strongest action are VPP (valine-proline-proline)

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