A Physician’s Perspective: Rising Blood Pressure Rates Should Push Texans Toward More Texas-Grown Crops

As a physician, I noted an alarming statistic recently shared by the American Heart Association (AHA) showing that as many as 60% of women may develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050. The AHA cites rising rates of high blood pressure as a key contributor. I would like to address the ways in which lifestyle choices influence disease risk. Among these factors, diet plays a central role in cardiovascular health. Texans are fortunate that a big part of the solution lies close to home.

A large scientific review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that diets centered on whole plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, are associated with lower blood pressure. Numerous scientific studies have shown that this way of eating helps maintain blood pressure within a healthy range.

Conversely, abundant research demonstrates that diets high in processed and red meat increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. Foods high in saturated fat raise LDL “bad” cholesterol levels, increasing heart disease risk, and studies show that both red and white meat raise cholesterol levels similarly.

A recent survey found that 60% of Americans are concerned about high blood pressure, and rightfully so. Nearly half of Americans currently have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and rates are rising alarmingly among children. Yet many Americans remain unaware of how strongly diet and lifestyle influence blood pressure and heart health.

Fortunately, many appear open to change. The same survey found that 65% of respondents are willing to try a plant-based diet in order to reduce the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, while 64% are willing to reduce foods high in saturated fat, including meat and poultry. Diets high in saturated fat may increase blood viscosity and place additional strain on the cardiovascular system.

These dietary shifts could also benefit the Texas economy. Texas ranks sixth in the nation for vegetable production, and our farmers lead the country in watermelon and cabbage production while also growing substantial amounts of pumpkins, carrots, spinach, mushrooms, peppers, grapefruits, and cucumbers. Watermelon, for example, is not only a refreshing Texas staple during hot summer months but is also rich in nutrients including vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and the antioxidant lycopene, which has been associated with lower blood pressure.

Scientific evidence strongly supports the role of whole food, plant-based nutrition in reducing cardiovascular risk, and patients are increasingly receptive to making meaningful, evidence-based dietary changes. As physicians, we must ensure patients have access to clear nutrition education so they can make informed decisions about everyday habits that profoundly affect long-term health. In my own practice, I regularly see that behavioral change is not only possible, but life-changing.

The Texas Legislature’s passage of the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program, which helps preserve agricultural land from development pressure, is a step in the right direction. State lawmakers should also consider initiatives similar to Massachusetts’s “Bean New Deal” (S. 922), which would expand education around and access to plant-based protein sources such as beans, lentils, and tofu.

At the national level, I urge my Representative Lloyd Doggett to support the Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act, which would provide school districts with resources to offer plant-based meals and improve access to nondairy milk by removing current barriers in federal law.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide, and high blood pressure is one of its most important risk factors. We know how to reduce that risk: Eat more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and legumes, while reducing saturated fat and avoiding animal products. Healthcare providers should make nutrition education a routine part of medical care. If physicians speak clearly with patients and communities about these evidence-based changes and provide practical support, we can help reverse rising rates of high blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health for future generations.

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Josie Howard, MD, is a member of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a public health advocacy nonprofit. Dr. Howard resides in Austin, Texas, and practices in both Texas and California. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.