More than 58 million people are living with high blood pressure (hypertension) in the US. While this condition has no visible symptoms, it often leads to enhanced risks of such grave diseases as stroke, heart attack, cognitive decline, aneurysms, and kidney failure. Luckily, there are certain tested and proven natural foods for high blood pressure patients as explained below.
10 Natural Foods to Control High Blood Pressure Numbers
1. Garlic
Research shows that garlic is among the best foods that could help you control high blood pressure. Consuming garlic could lower your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This is because it contains Allicin, a compound that operates by triggering the synthesis of hydrogen and sulfide.
These two are tasked with relaxing your blood vessels, which in turn, significantly brings down blood pressure. Further studies show that Garlic is capable of reducing diastolic and systolic blood pressure by almost 4.6mm of Hg. It can also be used for the treatment of such other heart ailments as arteriosclerosis, as well as cholesterol-related conditions.
2. Hawthorn
The use of hawthorn has been shown to be extremely beneficial in normalizing and regulating blood pressure over time. Hawthorn has traditionally been employed in the treatment of such heart disorders as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, hardening of the arteries, and heart failure. This herb harbors useful antioxidant properties that come in handy in protecting your heart from damage caused by free radicals.
Moreover, hawthorn has been scientifically proven to work better in lowering blood pressure levels in diabetics as compared to placebo pills. Hawthorn has leaves and flowers containing bioflavonoids, which are believed to hold the capacity to lower abnormal blood pressure. This is achieved by enhancing the flexibility and elasticity of the blood vessels. Alternatively, the compounds contained in hawthorn could significantly inhibit the activities of the enzymes responsible for stimulating sodium and water retention in the body. This might, in turn, lower the blood pressure to a significant extent.
3. Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a herb that offers variable health benefits, which include regulating blood circulation while enhancing the performance of hormones and the nervous system. This herb is believed to be an effective remedy for hypertension. By acting as a blood thinner, mistletoe goes a long way in enhancing blood flow through the vessels, thus treating high blood pressure.
Over the years, mistletoe has been a useful remedy against nose-bleeding, stroke, blood staunching, hormonal imbalance, and the hardening of the arteries. This herb also offers an amazing calming effect on a restless heart and also strengthens its functions to reduce the chances of hypertension. Mistletoe works well against the leading side effects of high blood pressure, which include dizziness, visual defects and buzzing in the ears.
4. Olive Oil and Olive Leaves Tea
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used to rely on olive leaves for the treatment of numerous ailments. Today, scientists have discovered that olive leaf is capable of lowering blood pressure. This discovery was particularly evident when identical twins were diagnosed with borderline hypertension, in which case, olive leaves were effectively employed in lowering their blood pressure. Taking 1000mg of olive leaf tea for breakfast was shown to potentially bring down your blood pressure levels by 11 points.
Similarly, ingesting olive oil might reduce your blood cholesterol, thus lower blood pressure. Olive oil is a form of a healthy fat that contains polyphenols, a compound responsible for fighting inflammation. This places it one of the most powerful foods for high blood pressure patients.
5. Linden
Also known as lime flower, linden has, over time, been used for treating a variety of illnesses. This herb contains bioflavonoids, which operate by relaxing your arteries to reduce your blood pressure levels. Linden could also be beneficial for patients suffering from hypertension, whether mild, moderate, or severe. It is often administered in the form of a tea and is primarily prescribed for patients who suffer from hypertension that emanates from stress and emotional factors.
6. Saffron
This is among the world’s oldest and most expensive remedies for treating high blood pressure. Saffron is also widely used for controlling digestive disorders, as well as treating acne. This exotic herb contains crocetin, a chemical that helps to lower blood pressure. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities because it causes loss of consciousness; just a pinch of saffron is sufficient, and it is to be added while cooking rice or a freshly brewed cup of tea.
7. Broccoli
This cruciferous vegetable has, over the years, been considered a powerful herb owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When it comes to its ability to control high blood pressure, this herb virtually sells itself. Broccoli contains a compound known as glucoraphanin, which helps in reducing the chances of developing stroke and hypertension. The herb also contains phytonutrients that are tasked with reducing the formation of plaques within the blood vessels. This, in turn, helps to lower the chances of developing high blood pressure.
8. Low-Fat Dairy
Low-fat dairy was evaluated in research where it was found to minimize the chances of hypertension and high blood pressure. This product is normally found in milk, yogurt, and cheese and operates by increasing the bioavailability of calcium, which makes it easier for the body to absorb it.
Besides, milk and dairy products can provide your body with the much-needed magnesium and potassium, both of which help to lower blood pressure. In fact, research conducted by the American Heart Association revealed that women who consumed 5 or more servings of yogurt every week had reduced chances of developing hypertension.
9. Dark Chocolate
A study conducted in 2015 found chocolate to be associated with significantly reduced risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. Unsweetened chocolate has been shown to contain large amounts of flavonoids, which cause the dilation of the blood vessels. Chocolate has also been shown to increase sensitivity to insulin, which aids in lowering the risk of diabetes.
10. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm leaves are among the most effective foods for high blood pressure patients. This is because they are sufficiently rich in flavonoids, ursolic acid, volatile oils, and glycosides, all of which have a profound impact on its blood pressure lowering properties. Moreover, lemon balm is an effective stress reducing agent, which is attributable to its calming effect. It, therefore, follows that any hypertension emanating from stress is effectively brought down.
This herb is normally administered in the form of tea, though it can also be taken in its capsule or tincture form. Taking lemon balm tea before bedtime has been shown to bring about a significant reduction in blood pressure, in addition to a restful sleep.
Finally…
Although using medication to lower your blood pressure could be a viable option, a majority of medics advise against it, because it can cause side effects like dizziness, leg cramps, and insomnia. Fortunately, you can effectively keep your blood pressure in check without relying on drugs. This is achieved by consuming variable natural foods that are low in sodium and rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium as explained above.
Before taking any of the herbal remedies to manage and control high blood pressure, it is imperative that you consult your doctor.
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