Feel the Pressure? Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure

Lettuce, alongside other vegetables, has unique health benefits of its own. Research conducted at the School of Health Sciences in Sweden has shown that consuming lettuce may help reduce blood pressure and assist in maintaining healthy blood vessels. The substance found in lettuce responsible for this is nitrates, which was studied for its effects on the blood pressure of healthy young individuals. Each participant consumed between 150-250 grams of nitrate-rich lettuce over the course of 3 days. After three days, their blood pressure was measured, revealing an average decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

In addition, olive leaves are used to lower blood pressure as an infusion, in capsules, or as a tincture. They contain a high concentration of flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that help maintain healthy blood vessels. Studies show that various compounds found in olive leaves relax the muscles in artery walls, reducing tension in the arteries. This causes the blood vessels to widen, leading to lower blood pressure.

You can take a large amount of olive leaves, wash them, cover them with water, boil for about 15 minutes, and then strain. Store the liquid in a glass container in the fridge—it will keep for about two months. This can be used as a tea extract—just add a little extract to a cup and fill with boiling water. You can drink 1-2 cups a day, according to your needs.

It's crucial to reduce salt intake since it causes fluid retention in the body, increasing blood volume and thus, blood pressure. Of course, eating green leaves like chives, which are rich in allicin, and similar to garlic and onions, can help lower blood cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure.

Another plant that may help with blood pressure issues is passionflower, known for its calming properties. Sometimes high blood pressure is a result of excessive adrenaline in the blood due to stress. Passionflower helps reduce tension and adrenaline, aiding in lowering blood pressure.

It's recommended to steep a tablespoon of passionflower leaves in a cup of boiling water, wait 10 minutes, and then drink.

Both parsley and celery, rich in calming minerals like magnesium and potassium, also help balance blood pressure. It's advisable to add them to salads, cooking, soups, etc. You can also prepare an infusion by steeping a tablespoon of parsley leaves in a cup of boiling water. You can drink three cups a day.

Professor Michael Aviram, head of the Lipid Research Lab at Rambam Health Care Campus, states that the active component in pomegranate, a specific type of tannin, prevents the oxidation of cholesterol and slows down atherosclerosis. It's also beneficial for those with hypertension, making the consumption of one glass of pomegranate juice per day significantly effective in lowering blood pressure.

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