High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a disease referred to as the silent killer, since it has no symptoms. Uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure can have serious health consequences, including increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Although medications are often used to treat hypertension, changing your diet can also have beneficial effects on blood pressure. Separate research studies reveal three things that decrease high blood pressure.
Step 1
Follow a low carb diet. Researchers from Duke University Medical Center investigated the impact of a low carb diet versus a low fat diet plus the blood pressure medication Orlistat on blood pressure. Scientists found that participants following a low carb diet experienced greater improvements in blood pressure compared to those adhering to a low fat diet plus Orlistat according to a 2010 study published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine."
Step 2
Drink hibiscus tea. Researchers examined the effects of drinking hibiscus tea on participants with high blood pressure. Subjects consumed hibiscus tea or a placebo for six weeks. Scientists discovered that the hibiscus tea group significantly reduced their blood pressure compared to the placebo group. They are unsure of the mechanism behind the results, but results suggest that powerful antioxidants in hibiscus flowers called anthocyanins might be responsible.
Step 3
Supplement with quercetin. In a 2007 study conducted by the University of Utah and published in the "Journal of Nutrition," researchers studied the effects of quercetin, an antioxidant flavonoid, on hypertensive patients. Subjects taking quercetin supplements significantly reduced their blood pressure compared to those taking a placebo. Please consult your health care provider before taking any supplements with quercetin.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; A Randomized Trial of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet vs. Orlistat Plus a Low-Fat Diet for Weight Loss
- Natural News: Hibiscus Tea Significantly Lowers Blood Pressure
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Quercetin Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Subjects
- American Heart Association: Why Blood Pressure Matters
