High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss and congestive heart failure. Lifestyle factors including dietary changes can positively impact high blood pressure. According to a 2007 study performed by University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers Gloria Benavides, Ph.D., David Kraus, Ph.D. and others, one food that shows promise for lowering blood pressure is garlic. Although their results aren't definitive, the researchers believe the interaction of garlic compounds with red blood cells produces hydrogen sulfide in sufficient quantity to relax blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure.
Step 1
Add roasted garlic to pasta. Wrap whole, peeled garlic cloves in foil, place in a baking dish and roast in a 400-degree oven until soft and fragrant, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove cloves from the oven and mash, and then stir into your favorite pasta dish.
Step 2
Spread roasted garlic on crusty bread. Roast garlic cloves as described in Step 1, then mash and spread onto slices of French or Italian bread for a savory appetizer or dinner accompaniment.
Step 3
Add roasted garlic to vegetable dishes. Mash and stir into steamed veggies, adding salt and pepper to taste. Roast garlic cloves along with chunks of root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onions and beets. Serve together as a mixed roasted vegetable dish.
