Cultural 'Food As Medicine' Approaches Can Help Reduce Blood Pressure

A new study shows that a tailored dietary approach can significantly reduce blood pressure in Black and Hispanic adults.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:40pm

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A new study presented at the American College of Cardiology conference in New Orleans found that a cohort of Black and Hispanic adults who stuck to a tailored Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) regimen saw a drop in blood pressure that was double the rate of those who used other methods. The study highlights how culturally-aligned guidance and access to healthy foods can help people manage high blood pressure.

Why it matters

Nearly half of all U.S. adults have hypertension, which leads to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Black adults are more likely to have severe cases of the disease, and it can develop when they're younger than other populations. This study demonstrates an effective approach to help address these disparities through culturally-tailored dietary guidance.

The details

The study involved 80 Maryland adults with hypertension, 62% of whom were Black. Half of the participants received a $30 bag of fresh produce plus one-on-one sessions with a dietitian every other week to discuss meal planning and strategies to support a heart-healthy diet. The other half received the fresh produce but no additional guidance. At the end of the 24-week trial, the group that received both the produce and the counseling saw double the decrease in their systolic blood pressure compared to the other group.

  • The study was presented on Monday at the American College of Cardiology conference held in New Orleans.
  • The 24-week trial took place in 2026.

The players

Dr. Oluwabunmi Ogungbe

The lead author of the study, an assistant professor in the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore.

American College of Cardiology

The organization that hosted the conference where the study was presented.

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What they’re saying

“It's not enough to just tell people to change their dietary behaviors. We asked, 'What if we actually prescribe what they should eat, give it to them, coach them on how to prepare those foods in ways that reflect their culture and taste preferences, and then see whether they will be more likely to sustain the change going forward?'”

— Dr. Oluwabunmi Ogungbe, Lead author of the study

“This information is really actionable for clinicians, because they can tell patients, your blood pressure is more likely to be lowered if you have the right support in place—the ability to access and afford healthy foods, the confidence to cook with them, culturally aligned guidance from someone who understands your background, and consistent encouragement along the way.”

— Dr. Oluwabunmi Ogungbe, Lead author of the study

What’s next

Researchers say a larger study would be needed to further confirm the findings, but the results demonstrate the feasibility and potential impact of integrating culturally-tailored dietary guidance and access to healthy foods into clinical and community settings.

The takeaway

This study highlights how a holistic, culturally-responsive approach to dietary interventions can be an effective way to help manage high blood pressure, especially among populations that face disproportionate rates of hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.