Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, is a common condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is so high that it may cause health issues over them, such as heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In fact, the more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries, the higher your blood pressure. The worst part regarding hypertension is that it often goes undetected, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
As mentioned in the very beginning, this condition is very common and it is estimated that 70 million adult Americans suffer from it. In other words, 40 percent of adults over the age of 25 suffer from hypertension.
This condition is also linked to high cholesterol and the factors which increase the risk of developing high blood pressure include physical inactivity, stress, and poor diet.
PRESSURE-REGULATING FOODS
1. GARLIC
Raw garlic has been long used to treat low blood pressure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attack, atherosclerosis, and reduced blood flow due to narrowed arteries.
The fact that allicin, the active compound in garlic, uses the same mechanism as blood pressure drugs to lower blood pressure has been backed up by science.
Moreover, garlic helps control cholesterol, helps relax blood vessels, and it prevents the creation of angiotensin II.
2. CUCUMBER
Cucumbers are abundant in water content, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Potassium balances the amount of sodium in the cells, which can often lead to atherosclerosis and fiber reduces cholesterol, stimulates weight loss, prevents type 2 diabetes, and regulates blood pressure.
CUCUMBER GARLIC SALAD
This amazing salad can improve your cardiovascular health and it is recommended to consume it as often as possible.
Ingredients:
– 1 cucumber
– 3 garlic cloves
– ½ -1 tablespoon ACV
– A few spoonfuls of water
Instructions:
– Wash the cucumber thoroughly and add it into small pieces
– Peel the garlic and crush it with your knife
– Put the cucumber into a large glass bowl
– Mince the garlic and add it to the mixture
– Add the vinegar and water
– Serve with mint leaves