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Products that lower blood pressure
High blood pressure is a pathology that occurs in a third of the population aged 16-34 years. Hypertension, even in a mild form, means a violation of the activity of the cardiovascular system, causes premature aging and impaired cerebral circulation, which was proved by studies by California scientists.
The modern treatment of hypertension is to take drugs that block angiotensin receptors, relax blood vessels, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure. However, the constant use of these drugs contributes to the occurrence of oncological tumors and causes a number of serious pathologies in the body.
Regular consumption of foods that strengthen the heart muscle, vascular walls, and normalize blood pressure can not only alleviate the patient’s condition during an attack of hypertension, but also reduce the amount of medication taken.
Green tea. The effect of green tea on increasing or decreasing blood pressure is a rather controversial issue. However, it has already been proven that drinking green tea lowers blood pressure! It is contraindicated for hypotensive patients! Moreover, Japanese scientists have proved experimentally that green tea lowers blood pressure in the future! The experiment lasted several months and the result was a decrease in pressure in hypertensive patients by 5-10%. (read more: Benefits and harms of green tea)
Lemon. Lemons contain potassium, which helps to regulate the body fluids present in the body, and the magnesium found in lemons helps to relax the arteries. The presence of flavonoids in lemons contributes to the health of blood vessels. The composition of lemon juice on the effect on the body resembles some antihypertensive drugs. They have a suppressive effect on the production of angiotensin by the kidneys, a hormone that can increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels. When taking a lemon, remember the sense of proportion so as not to harm the stomach.
Chokeberry. Chokeberry has substances that can actively expand capillaries and blood vessels. The beneficial effect of chokeberry on hypertension has been experimentally established, in other words, to lower blood pressure. For medicinal purposes, you can eat five pieces of berries a day. Fruit juice should be taken 1-2 tablespoons 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals. Berry broth is prepared at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 200 grams of water. Boil no more than a minute, insist an hour. Drink a quarter or half a glass 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals.
Ginger. Ginger has a lot of positive properties, but how does it affect blood pressure? Ginger rhizome, getting into the digestive tract, thins the blood and relaxes the muscles that surround the blood vessels. Therefore, blood pressure will decrease. (interesting: Ginger with lemon and honey – a recipe for health). It is worth noting that ginger can enhance the effect of medications, so you do not need to combine the use of ginger with taking medications that reduce blood pressure, but it is even better to consult a doctor. (See also: list of blood thinning foods)
Kalina. Kalina lowers blood pressure, has a diuretic effect, removing excess fluid from the body. Thanks to the antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamin C contained in it, the recovery of infectious diseases is fast. Vitamin K stops bleeding, and excess cholesterol is affected by polyunsaturated fatty acids. Phenolcarboxylic acid favors the disinfection of the digestive organs and the healing of wounds. In the treatment of high blood pressure, you can use both fresh berries and dried ones.
Cranberry. Cranberry is an edible healing berry, which is a long-standing human assistant in the fight against fever, scurvy, and headache. Its berries make the intestines and stomach work better, and can also help with reduced stomach acidity. The content of flavonoids, substances that contribute to the strength and elasticity of blood capillaries, the absorption of vitamin C, is very high in cranberries. Cranberry juice increases the quantitative composition of antioxidants and necessary cholesterol in the body, which are necessary for proper cardiac work. American experts have proven that eight weeks of daily consumption of cranberry juice significantly reduces blood pressure! People suffering from disorders of the heart and vascular systems are advised to drink cranberry juice or juice daily in three glasses to increase the content of antioxidants, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and the formation of a malignant tumor. Rus’ has always been famous for using the beneficial properties of cranberries, so eat them constantly and you will be healthy.
Almond. To improve blood circulation, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and normalize pressure, a handful of almonds a day is enough. However, they must be used correctly: it is raw nuts that are most useful, and almonds that have been steamed or roasted retain few nutritional components. If you prefer Spanish almonds, then you are more likely to purchase a raw natural product than other varieties, since almonds from Spain are usually not cooked. Another nuance of the correct use of almonds in food is pre-soaking and peeling. The peel of almonds is rich in phytic acid, which makes it difficult for the body to absorb minerals. If you soak the nuts in cold water for several hours, then the peel is easily peeled off. In addition to the strengthening effect on the cardiovascular system, almonds can be included in the diet of overweight people – they are low in calories, while they contain proteins and monounsaturated fatty acids, so they are suitable for those who want to lose fat and those who strive to gain muscle mass. Walnuts have similar properties and can also lower blood pressure and stimulate blood flow, but they are high in calories, so they are rarely used as a dietary product.
Cayenne pepper. Hot cayenne pepper (aka hot pepper) has a number of useful properties that have been confirmed by studies by American scientists. Chili peppers almost instantly normalize blood pressure due to the content of capsaicin. Capsaicin gives pepper a burning taste and sharpness, has vasodilating properties, increasing blood flow. As a result, the rate of passage of blood through the vessels increases, and the load on their walls decreases, and the pressure decreases. To correct the condition of a person with high blood pressure, it is recommended to drink a solution of a teaspoon of pepper in a glass of water with honey and freshly squeezed aloe juice. People who are not used to the spicy taste of chili can use cayenne pepper capsules. With kidney disease, red pepper should be used with caution, as it can aggravate the patient’s condition.
Coconut water. The liquid obtained from coconuts – coconut water or coconut milk – is a popular product that not only has an expressive and pleasant taste, but also has a lot of useful properties. Thus, its nutritional value and balanced composition make it possible to use coconut milk as a substitute for cow’s milk in vegetarian cuisine. Potassium, magnesium, calcium and a number of vitamins (pyridoxine, riboflavin, retinol, pantothenic acid, thiamine, vitamins E and C) strengthen the immune system, help normalize metabolism and lower blood pressure. Lauric acid, which is found in large quantities in coconut water, although it belongs to saturated fatty acids, helps to increase the “good” cholesterol in the blood – high-density lipoproteins – and prevents vascular disease. As a result of studies, it was found that the systematic use of coconut milk for several months helps to lower systolic blood pressure (observed in 71% of patients) and helps to normalize high diastolic blood pressure (in 29% of subjects).
Raw cocoa. It is from raw cocoa that you can get the nutrients and flavonoids necessary to combat the manifestations of hypertension. Cocoa has anti-stress properties, thanks to which it is possible to indirectly control pressure, preventing its increase during unrest. Special hormones are responsible for the physiological manifestations of stress, among their effects is an increase in blood pressure. Numerous experiments have proven that cocoa helps regulate the levels of these hormones. By using raw cocoa as a dietary supplement, you can achieve a significant reduction in the intensity and number of stressful conditions. Flavonoids in cocoa temporarily lower blood pressure, which protects blood vessels from pathologies associated with its increase.
Turmeric. Turmeric is a spice that has been used since ancient times not only to enhance the flavor of food, but also for medicinal purposes. However, scientists still know relatively little about its beneficial properties. Curcumin, a unique active ingredient found in the root of this plant, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. As you know, inflammatory reactions are one of the main causes of high blood pressure. Effectively eliminating inflammation, curcumin can significantly improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and increase blood flow. The combination of the active ingredient of various peppers piperine and turmeric increases the blood supply to the tissues, so that the blood is evenly distributed throughout the body. But you should not combine turmeric with hot peppers, as capsaicin (the substance responsible for its pungency) is bad for the kidneys, which ultimately negates the beneficial effects of both piperine and turmeric. In popular recipes, turmeric appears as a proven blood cleanser, and this property also contributes to the treatment of arterial hypertension.
Garlic. Garlic, or rather, unique essential oils and many active substances in its composition, has long been recognized as an effective remedy against high blood pressure. Back in 2010, scientists from Australia showed that with the help of the systematic use of garlic in the control group of patients with arterial hypertension, there was an improvement in blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and ESR. Considering the fact that garlic is one of the most affordable remedies for hypertension, its importance for many people with a predisposition to high blood pressure cannot be overestimated. And for those who do not use garlic because of its strong and persistent smell, garlic in capsules that dissolve in the intestines can be recommended.
Additional foods that lower blood pressure
Products from this list, when used regularly, also help lower blood pressure due to magnesium, potassium and other minerals in their composition.
Due to the fact that these products are more accessible and versatile in action, it is not difficult to include them in the diet, and the result in the form of normal blood pressure will be more stable:
Skimmed milk. High quality milk with a low fat content contributes to the normalization of pressure. In order to achieve the desired effect, it must be consumed every day. As a result of research by American scientists, it was found that calcium in combination with calciferol (vitamin D) with regular use lowers blood pressure by 3-10%. These figures do not seem so significant, but in practice this reduces the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system by about 15% . Of course, skimmed milk of decent quality is not easy to find, and homemade products are always much fatter. Therefore, the use of milk as a blood pressure lowering product leaves some doubts.
Spinach. Spinach contains a complex of vitamins, electrolyte minerals (calcium, magnesium and sodium) and proteins, the content of which is second only to beans and peas. All these substances help to strengthen the vascular walls and normalize the level of pressure. Spinach leaves are rich in fiber, which contributes to the self-purification of the body and the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. Spinach’s low calorie content – only 22 calories per 100 grams – makes it an excellent dietary product. In order to prevent cardiovascular diseases and to lower blood pressure, spinach leaves and seeds can be used as food. Salads, casseroles, and sauces are prepared from the leaves, and seeds are sprinkled on a sandwich to increase its nutritional value (read more in the article: useful properties and uses of spinach).
Unsalted sunflower seeds. A lack of magnesium can cause blood pressure disorders, and one of the best natural sources of this mineral is sunflower seeds. They need to be consumed raw and unsalted, for the prevention of hypertension, a quarter cup of seeds per day is enough. Due to the high fat content in sunflower seeds, they are not recommended for people with inflammatory diseases of the gallbladder, as well as for those who are on a weight loss diet. The use of salted seeds has the opposite effect – an increased sodium content provokes an attack of hypertension.
Beans. Beans are rich in composition and high nutritional value, contain potassium, magnesium, which help normalize blood pressure, dietary fiber and pectins, as well as folic acid, niacin and vitamin E. The increased iron content in beans stimulates hematopoiesis. They eat white, black, red, dark blue beans, as well as lima and pinto varieties. It is good both in the form of an independent dish (the beans are boiled, pre-soaked overnight, and served as porridge), and as part of tomato soup, sauce, salad.
Baked white potatoes. Potatoes contain a lot of potassium and magnesium, which allows you to maintain the potassium-sodium balance of the body. With a normal intake of potassium from food, the sodium level remains stable, which allows you to implement many processes in the body, starting with cellular transport, ending with the removal of excess fluids, maintaining tissue metabolism in the heart muscle. A lack of potassium causes an increase in sodium levels, which can cause a heart attack and an increase in blood pressure. It is best to eat potatoes in a baked form – this is how nutrients are better stored in it, and the calorie content of such a dish is only 80 kcal against 200-300 kcal of fried potatoes.
Bananas. Another popular product for lowering blood pressure is a banana. This fruit is ideal for a snack and as an addition to breakfast, as it not only contains the minerals necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, but also rich in proteins, which ensures quick satiety. The amino acid tryptophan in banana is used in the body to synthesize serotonin, a hormone that is responsible for a good mood. They use bananas on their own, as part of desserts and fruit salads, they are added to oatmeal, yogurt.
Soya beans. The beneficial properties of soybeans for normalizing blood pressure are provided by potassium, magnesium and peptides in their composition. Soybeans are consumed raw, peeled. Frozen beans are pre-thawed by boiling water. Black soy is especially useful for normalizing blood pressure. Studies by scientists from Korea show that when black soybeans were consumed daily for eight weeks, the systolic pressure of the subjects decreased by 9,7 points. In addition, soybeans increase the body’s resistance to oxidative stress, which means that they prevent the occurrence of oncological tumors.
Black chocolate. As an additional product to normalize blood pressure, you can include a small amount of chocolate in the diet – 1-2 squares from a whole bar. The beneficial properties of chocolate are explained by the increased content of cocoa, the beneficial properties of which are considered in the list of essential products that lower blood pressure.
Regular use of the above products does not replace drugs in severe hypertension, but helps to reduce pressure and allows you to reduce the dosage of drugs and improve the patient’s well-being.
Can I drink coffee with high blood pressure?
A lot of myths have formed around coffee, one of them is the increase in blood pressure after drinking a cup of coffee. In fact, the drink raises the pressure of a person to normal in case of his lowered state. If the pressure is normal, then by drinking coffee a person will almost never increase it. Hypertensive patients are advised not to drink coffee just because it will maintain, and not increase, as is commonly thought, high blood pressure.