High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs for numerous reasons. The primary cause, however, is a diet rich in sodium that contributes to vascular weakness, scarring and blood clotting, according to the American Heart Association. Eating certain spices in lieu of salt may help to lower your blood pressure to prevent any further health complication.
Ginger
Ginger is the world's most widely cultivated spice and contains natural chemicals that discourage blood clotting, lower cholesterol and increase the force or strength of heart-muscle tissues, according to Jordan Rubin and Joseph Brasco in the book "The Great Physician's RX for High Blood Pressure." ginger has a pronounced antioxidant effect, which helps to strengthen the cardiac muscle and lowers serum cholesterol, Rubin and Brasco note.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a spice that provides a multitude of health benefits, including the lowering of blood pressure. It is a rich source of organic calcium and potassium, which are essential minerals if you suffer from hypertension. It functions by stabilizing the blood pressure due to the presence of capsaicin that improves blood circulation, according to John Lust, et al. in the book "The Natural Remedy Bible." It also helps to lower cholesterol and slow blood clotting due to its antioxidant properties.
Garlic
Fresh garlic, garlic oil and garlic-based products are effective in reducing blood pressure, according to Stephen Fulder in his book "User's Guide to Garlic." It may decrease blood pressure measurements up to 10 percent if taken consistently as part of a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Garlic works by affecting the prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances in the blood vessels responsible for the opening, relaxing and tightening functions. Garlic increases the flow of blood in smaller peripheral vessel, which reduces the force in which the blood pumps, Fulder says.
References
- American Heart Association: What is High Blood Pressure
- "The Great Physician's RX for High Blood Pressure"; Jordan Rubin and Joseph Brasco; 2007
- "The Natural Remedy Bible"; John Lust et al.; 2003
- "User's Guide to Garlic"; Stephen Fulder; 2004
