High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious health issue that affects an estimated 1 in 3 Americans. Over time, this causes blood vessel damage that can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and other health problems.
It’s sometimes referred to as a silent killer because hypertension itself doesn’t produce any symptoms. If you don’t get your blood pressure checked regularly, it could go unnoticed and untreated for years.
If you’re struggling with high blood pressure, there are several foods known for having a positive effect on blood sugar regulation – consider adding them to your diet.
Beet Juice
Beet juice is known as one of the richest sources of antioxidants and naturally occurring nitrates which help to improve blood flow throughout the body, including the muscles, the brain and the heart. These compounds increase nitric oxide in the blood vessels, helping them to open up, allowing more oxygen flow in addition to lowering blood pressure.
A study of 254 people conducted from 2006 through 2012, found a significant reduction in blood pressure in those that consumed the juice.
Raw garlic
The instance of cardiovascular disease is generally lower among populations that consume a large amount of garlic, and a number of studies have shown that consuming raw garlic has the ability to reduce high blood pressure.
One 2013 study published in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that garlic is at least as effective as the popular and potent blood pressure lowering medication atenolol for reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients who were diagnosed with essential hypertension.
It’s important to remember that cooking garlic kills the compound responsible for helping to lower blood pressure. To derive its benefits, chop two raw cloves and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before consuming in order to give the alliinase enzymes an opportunity to work on behalf of your health.
Black tea
A study published in the January 23, 2012 Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who drank three cups of black tea each day were able to lower their blood pressure by an average of two to three points.
The properties in black tea are believed to help keep endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels, healthy. The flavonoids in tea are also known to help improve blood vessel tone and reduce weight as well as abdominal fat, which may further serve to lower blood pressure.
By making these three simple changes to your diet, you just might find those blood pressure numbers finally heading in the right direction!
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20130404/nearly-30-percent-of-americans-have-high-blood-pressure-cdc
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/garlic-beats-blockbuster-blood-pressure-drug-new-study
http://www.prevention.com/food/food-remedies/lower-your-blood-pressure-beet-root-juice
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