Hypertension means your blood pressure is abnormally high. You have high blood pressure when your blood pressure reading is higher than 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure is important for proper blood circulation, but elevated blood pressure over time can cause problems with your heart or kidneys. In addition, most hypertensive people do not know if they have high blood pressure because there are no signs and symptoms. Resveratrol, an organic compound found in red grapes and some other fruits, might be helpful in treating hypertension, but consult your doctor before using it.
Antioxidant
Resveratrol can improve your blood pressure levels because of its roles as an antioxidant. Resveratrol protects the lining of vessel walls from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Atherosclerotic plaque tends to build up inside the damaged vessel walls, narrowing them and inhibiting the flow of blood passing through the blood vessels. This causes high blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure in Diabetics
High blood pressure is more common in diabetics. About 20 to 60 percent of people in the United States have high blood pressure as a result of diabetes. Chronically elevated blood pressure can contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy, or renal failure, along with other complications of diabetes. In animal research models, resveratrol has been shown to improve blood pressure in diabetic rats, according to researchers at The Organic Center.
Dosage
You can obtain resveratrol from supplements. Before purchasing, you should read labels to see resveratrol content in that product. Some supplements contain more resveratrol than others. However, no human trials have been done to determine the optimal dose and dosing frequency for hypertensive people. In animal studies, a safe and adequate level of resveratrol is 500 mg per day. Consult your doctor before using these supplements.
Safety
Resveratrol has been reported to have no serious effects in humans, but it has not undergone comprehensive safety testing. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before using it. Since resveratrol interferes with the efficacy of anticoagulants, taking this supplement with blood thinners may increase your risk of bleeding, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
