Blood Pressure
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164. Garlic also has numerous important effects on the cardiovascular system, including antioxidant, anti-platelet (blood thinning) and anti-thrombotic (prevents blood clots), activities, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and the ability to reduce the atherosclerotic process (hardening of arteries). All this should surely help in controlling and reducing high blood pressure. Additionally, garlic also slows the pulse, modifies the heart rhythm besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath and the formation of gas within the digestive track.
Herbs and Spices
165. Herbs and spices such as fennel (saunf) oregano, black pepper, basil (tulsi), cayenne, chamomile, hawthorn berries, parsley, celery, rosemary, tarragon, shilajit, asafoetida (hing), and flaxseed (alsee) have active ingredients that are beneficial in hypertension when used in cooking. Aromatic herbs, such as Yiang-Ylang, have a relaxing effect on the nerves. They can be used as bathing oils or as addition to massage oils.
Olive Oil
166. Much of the fat in olive oil is in the form of Omega-3 monounsaturated fatty acid, a type of fat, unlike saturated fat, that does not raise bad LDL cholesterol levels and enhances the good HDL cholesterol. The use of olive oil in diet may help lower blood pressure. A study by researchers at Stanford Medical School of 76 middle-aged men with blood pressure a few years ago concluded that the amount of monounsaturated fat in three tablespoons of olive oil a day could lower systolic pressure about nine points and diastolic pressure about six points. More remarkable, a University of Kentucky study found that a mere two-thirds of a tablespoon of olive oil daily reduced blood pressure by about five systolic points and four diastolic points in men. Caution – Don’t start eating high fat meals thinking that olive oil will save the day. Just remember that every gram of any kind of oil packs in 9 calories and just continue to eat sensibly!
Onions
167. Onions, like garlic, have a variety of medicinal effects. They possess a lively concoction of chemicals and compounds including potassium that are known to lower BP. They contain a great deal of adenosine, a smooth muscle relaxant, that keeps platelets from sticking together and also have blood thinner, blood detoxifier and clot dissolving chemicals. Onions help in correcting thrombosis (blockage) and quercetin in them boosts good HDL cholesterol and reduces total cholesterol. 100 grams of raw onions per day could help prevent heart and blood pressure disorders. Regular consumption of onions, especially raw, has, like garlic, been shown to lower cholesterol levels and high BP, both of which help prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. These beneficial effects are likely due to onion’s sulphur compounds, its chromium and its vitamin B6, which help prevent heart disease by lowering homocystein levels, another significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Note – The boost in good HDL cholesterol is the greatest with raw onions and almost disappears with cooking. Essential onion oil also possesses considerable health benefits.
