Hypertension: herbs and spices that help
Hypertension is the most common and related preventable risk factor for heart disease. High blood pressure is defined as having at least one of the following parameters: systolic blood pressure (whichever is greater) above 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) above 90 mm Hg, or both values, both systolic and diastolic, above these levels. If blood pressure is measured in the comfort of your home, or in a particularly quiet and relaxed situation, the limit is slightly lower: 135/85. It is possible to manage blood pressure with drugs, such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but many dietary and lifestyle changes can actually reduce blood pressure and, with it, the risk of heart disease. Some herbs and spices can lower blood pressure levels, so it is advisable, in case of hypertension, to introduce them in the diet.
Hypertension: 10 herbs and spices
Among the remedies to reduce the salt content in the daily diet, use 10 aromatic herbs, fresh or infused, and some spices that are able to lower blood pressure levels due to the properties they contain:
- Basil
- Parsley
- thyme
- Garlic
- Celery seeds
- Cat's claw
- Bacopa Monnieri
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Cardamom
Basil
Basil is rich in eugenol, a plant-based antioxidant that is particularly beneficial for health. It promotes several beneficial effects, including lowering blood pressure by acting as a natural blocker of calcium channels. Calcium channel blockers prevent the movement of calcium in the heart and arterial cells, allowing blood vessels to relax and help blood to thin.
Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a popular aromatic herb around the world. It has a particularly interesting nutritional profile: it contains a variety of compounds, such as vitamin C and dietary carotenoids, which can reduce blood pressure. Several studies have shown that carotenoid antioxidants reduce blood pressure. blood and LDL (bad) cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease.
Celery seeds
Celery seeds (Apium graveolens) are a versatile spice rich in various nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium and natural fibers. Elements that help keep blood pressure below the risk threshold. Celery seed extract can help lower blood pressure by acting as a natural blocker of calcium channels.
Celery is one of the vegetables that can also be grown in pots at home, starting from scraps.
Garlic
Garlic - fresh or dried - is particularly beneficial for heart health. In fact, garlic contains sulfur compounds, such as allicin, which can help increase blood flow and relax blood vessels. Collectively, these factors They can help lower blood pressure. Several studies in hypertensive individuals have found that garlic intake reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 8.3 mm Hg and 5.5 mm Hg, respectively.
thyme
Thyme is a "tasty, rich and healthy herb. The rosmarinic acid it contains is one of the compounds that reduces inflammation and blood sugar levels, two negative health factors. It can also help lower blood pressure." systolic by inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). ACE is a molecule that constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Therefore, inhibiting it can lower blood pressure. Taking thyme extract also reduces heart disease risk factors, such as total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Uncaria - Cat's claw
Chinese cat's claw contains several compounds, such as hirsutin and rhinocophylline, which can reduce blood pressure by acting as natural blockers of calcium channels. Additionally, these compounds can stimulate blood vessels to produce nitric oxide, a chemical compound that helps blood vessels relax and dilate.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is a herb that grows in the swampy areas of South Asia. Ayurvedic medicine practitioners use it to treat various ailments, including anxiety, memory problems, and hypertension. An herb that can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels by stimulating blood vessels to release nitric oxide. Bacopa monnieri can be purchased from health food stores and online. It is available in several forms, including powder and capsules. .
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of trees of the genus Cinnamomu. Used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat heart conditions, including hypertension, it helps dilate and relax blood vessels. Several studies have shown that cinnamon intake reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 6.2, respectively. mm Hg and 3.9 mm Hg.
Ginger
Ginger is incredibly versatile and a staple in alternative medicine. A root that is particularly good for improving many aspects of heart health, including circulation, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Ginger acts as a calcium channel blocker and a natural ACE inhibitor. Ginger is commercially available fresh, dry, in powder form and as a concentrated supplement.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a spice with a slightly sweet and intense flavor. It is rich in antioxidants that can help lower blood pressure by acting as a natural blocker of calcium channels and as a diuretic.
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