Do you have symptoms of high blood pressure ? When someone has high blood pressure (HBP), the heart and arteries have a much heavier workload.
Uncontrolled, high blood pressure or hypertension can lead to serious problems such as coronary heart disease, strokes, enlarged left heart, kidney failure, dementia, retinopathy, bone loss and other health problems.
If you have high blood pressure, you can reduce it by eating foods that contain a lot of bioflavonoids.
What are Bioflavonoids ?
Scientists have identified more than 4000 different flavonoids found in plants. They are sometimes called vitamin P because they appear to have the same characteristics of vitamins. Bioflavonoids are the natural pigments in fruits and vegetables. These natural compounds work as powerful antioxidants.
Some of the more well-known bioflavonoids include epicatechin, eriodictyol, hesperin, hesperidin, proanthocyanidins, quercetin, quercitin, resveratrol, rutin and green tea polyphenols (catechins).
Bioflavonoids and Blood Pressure – Properties
>> Medical studies have shown that hesperidin possesses anti-cholesterol property. Hesperidin elevates ‘good’ cholesterol levels or HDL (high density lipoprotein) and reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol levels or LDL (low density lipoprotein). High levels of HDL cholesterol have been shown to be cardioprotective. Hesperidin also helps lower triglycerides levels. Furthermore, hesperidin acts as a vasodilator, which may prove useful in treating high blood pressure or hypertension naturally.
>> Studies in animals have shown that quercetin is a very strong blood vessel dilator exerting antihypertensive effects.
>> Rutin is also an important nutrient with antioxidant properties able to strengthen the walls of the blood vessels including capillaries. Rutin may be helpful in the treatment of poor circulation, high blood pressure, varicose veins, atherosclerosis and may help in the prevention of strokes.
>> Resveratrol has various beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases. Resveratrol reduces vasoconstriction and improve vasodilatation as a means to resolve hypertension.
>> Epicatechin improves blood flow and thus seems good for cardiac health.
>> Japanese studies have shown that anthocyanins may lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Foods rich in bioflavonoids
Almost any food containing vitamin C also contains bioflavonoids.
* Hesperidin is a major bioflavonoid present in the rind and membranes of lemons and oranges. One study found that drinking orange juice and grapefruit juice is the most bio-available way to ingest hesperidin.
* Foods rich in quercetin include capers, lovage, apples, tea, red onion, red grapes, citrus fruit, tomato, and leafy green vegetables.
* Rutin is found in buckwheat, apricots, prunes, cherries, the white rind of citrus and grains such as rice, wheat, etc.
* Resveratrol is a natural compound present in red wine, grapes, purple grape juice, peanuts, and some berries.
* Epicatechin is found in blueberries, tea, grapes, and cocoa, the major ingredient of dark chocolate.
* Foods rich in anthocyanins include acaï berries, goji berries, noni and mangosteen.
A blood pressure level of 120/80 mmHg, is considered as normal. Anything above or below, is not healthy for the human body.
A simple and natural way to control and lower high blood pressure consists of eating more fruits and vegetables. It is generally advised to eat lots of fruits and vegetables because they are full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. It’s also because they give you the benefits of bioflavonoids.
One vegetable can have many different flavonoids. Onions, for example, contain over 40 different flavonoids! Higher intakes of flavonoid-rich foods can help you lower your blood pressure.
Author : Alexis ROGER
The Bloodpressure Program
New research reveals that one single organ is responsible for almost all cases of high blood pressure.
Contrary to what you may think it’s NOT:
- the heart
- the kidneys
- the arteries
…or any other cardiovascular organ.
By addressing the one organ responsible you can lower your blood pressure without:
- medications
- supplements
- diet changes
- strenuous exercises
In fact, you can lower your blood pressure from home in an extremely pleasurable, relaxing way.
Not only will you lower your blood pressure, you’ll also address any damage already done to your arteries.