Heart failure caused 13 percent of all deaths according to a 2011 report in the "Cardiology Journal." High blood pressure contributed to 9 percent of those deaths. Advances in prevention and diagnosis have reduced these numbers, and medication can effectively treat hypertension. Yet, such drugs may cause side effects. Dietary changes provide a better option for people interested in natural remedies. Patients should not, however, alter their lifestyles without first speaking with a doctor.
Cocoa
Chocolate remains one of the most popular foods and is often considered a "superfood." Traditional healers used the cocoa plant to heal minor ailments. Modern researchers have found evidence supporting this use, and they've discovered other applications. A September 2010 paper in the "Journal of Human Hypertension" looked at the possible impact of cocoa extract on blood pressure in older patients with untreated hypertension. Subjects received either low or high doses of the spice for six weeks. Results indicated that the large dose, 1052 mg, decreased blood pressure. No adverse events were reported, but these effects may gradually temper with repeated use.
Blueberries
Berries provide many health benefits. For example, they lower "bad" cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar. Scientists don't understand how blueberries achieve these effects, but it may involve antioxidants. A September 2009 report in "Nutrition Research" evaluated a blueberry-enriched diet in hypertensive rats. Rodents received blueberry extract or no treatment for eight weeks. The data showed that the berries lowered blood pressure up to 30 percent. The report noted that the extract protected the kidneys from oxidation. While suggestive, findings obtained in animals cannot generalize to humans. Also, the rats were genetically hypertensive and the results may not apply to lifestyle-induced changes.
Soy
High-fiber grains like soy also help control cholesterol count and blood sugar. They provide other health benefits as well. For example, people living Asian societies that consume large amounts of soy have stronger bones. A study published in the January 2010 issue of the "Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology" tested the possible impact of soy intake on blood pressure in diabetic animals. Rats received either a casein diet or a soy diet for seven weeks. This substitution lowered the rats' blood pressure. It also improved their sugar control. No toxic effects were observed, but long-term soy use can trigger side effects like breast development.
Garlic
Vegetables contain many healthy substances. Garlic, in particular, is packed with antioxidants and polysulfides, chemicals that open blood vessels and may, thereby, decrease blood pressure. An October 2010 article in the medical journal "Maturitas" assessed the ability of garlic to treat hypertension. Patients received daily doses of either a garlic extract or an inert treatment for 12 weeks. The vegetable lowered blood pressure 10 points relative to placebo. Garlic did not, however, lower blood pressure relative to baseline. The subjects also reported garlic-induced reactions, but 92 percent considered them tolerable. Further confirmatory studies will reveal the clinical usefulness of the anti-hypertensive effects of garlic.
References
- "Cardiology Journal"; Cardiovascular Causes of Death in an East African Country; Julius A. Ogeng'o, et al.; 2011
- "Journal of Human Hypertension"; Dose-Related Effects of Flavanol-Rich Cocoa on Blood Pressure; Kade Davison, et al.; September 2010
- "Nutrition Research"; Diets Containing Blueberry Extract Lower Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Stroke-Prone Rats; Kevin S. Shaughnessy, et al.; February 2009
- "Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology"; Renoprotective and Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect of Dietary Soy Protein via Protein Kinase C Beta II Inhibition in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome; Nallasamy Palanisamy, et al.; January 2010
- "Maturitas"; Aged Garlic Extract Lowers Blood Pressure in Patients With Treated but Uncontrolled Hypertension; Karin Ried, et al.; October 2010
