Hypertension diet: The 25p kitchen staple that can lower blood pressure and extend life
What's the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
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Research from the department of pharmaceutical sciences, at University of Kashmir, investigated the impact of Allium sativum – a naturally occurring medicinal plant – on its antihypertensive potential. Otherwise known as garlic, its healing properties can be attributed to the compound allicin. A meta-analysis demonstrated that “garlic is related to decreases of blood pressure in patients with increased systolic pressure”.
The potent ingredient is not, however, associated with lower readings for those with healthy blood pressure readings.
In the research paper, the scientists noted: “Garlic preparations have been found to be superior to placebo in reducing BP [blood pressure] in individuals with HTN [hypertension].”
Garlic has “cardioprotective” qualities, including anti-oxidative and anti-hypertensive properties.
The researchers elaborated: “It is thought to increase nitric oxide production, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilatation.”
By lowering blood pressure, the heart muscle is under less strain, meaning the risk of a heart attack is lowered.
Garlic can help minimise the risk of a heart attack in other ways too.
Researchers from the department of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics and cardiovascular excellence, at LSU Health Sciences Centre in LA, explained.
The popular food ingredient is “considered to be one of the best disease-preventative foods”.
The researchers stated: “Pre-clinical and clinical evidence has shown that garlic reduces risks associated with CVD [cardiovascular disease].”
Such line of evidence falls on the discovery that garlic can lower cholesterol, inhibit “platelet aggregation”, and lower blood pressure.
Other reported health benefits of garlic, according to BBC Good Food, include its anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal properties.
Dietician Victoria Taylor, from the British Heart Foundation, delved deeper into the health benefits of garlic.
Taylor said: “Garlic contains vitamins C and B6, manganese and selenium.
“But it’s a chemical called allicin, a type of antioxidant, which is thought to be responsible for its positive effects.
“In fresh garlic, there are natural variations in the allicin levels.
“But to address your risk of heart and circulatory diseases it’s important to think about your diet as a whole, rather than one ingredient.”
Experts recommend following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet to lower blood pressure levels.
The Mayo Clinic expanded on this point, adding that the DASH diet includes foods that are rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Examples include: low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, legumes, and fruits.
Other ingredients to include are vegetables, grains, lean meats, and fish.
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