Here are two foods containing nutrients that will promote a lower blood pressure:

1. Garlic

Garlic is a source of allicin, which has been shown to lower blood pressure. Around 10,000 mg of allicin (~4 garlic cloves) is needed daily for a blood pressure lowering effect. Studies show the average reduction in systolic blood pressure to be 5-8 mm Hg. Important to note – not all forms of garlic are equal! Cultivated garlic, aged garlic, wild cultivated garlic, fresh garlic, and long-acting garlic preparations have variable effects.

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There are numerous health claims surrounding garlic. . .do you think they’re true? Let’s discuss garlic to lower blood pressure.

Research studies have found a link between the right type and amount of garlic and a lower blood pressure. The average reduction in systolic (top number) blood pressure was ~5-8 mm Hg. Garlic is linked to a reduction in diastolic blood pressure, but the decrease isn’t large enough to be statistically significant.

Garlic contains many components that may be responsible for this decrease in blood pressure.

Natural ACE inhibitors
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Adenosine
Allicin

These components promote arterial dilation, which means a widening of the arteries, to make blood flow easier and lower blood pressure.

Studies indicate 10,000 mcg of allicin are needed daily to result in a lower blood pressure. To gain 10,000 mcg of allicin you’d need to consume 4 cloves or 4 grams of garlic daily.

Some easy ways to increase the garlic in your diet:

1. Chop fresh garlic and add to stews or a stir-fry.
2. Use as a seasoning and add to vegetables, meat, poultry, fish and soup.

Now, you can’t rely on garlic alone to get your blood pressure back within a normal levels. But including more garlic in your diet is one easy step towards promoting a lower blood pressure. Be sure to sign up for the free e-course 7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
How to Lower Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
to a Healthy, Life Sustaining Level Without Drugs

Here are five foods to include in your diet to promote heart health.

1. Banana – Good source of potassium to promote a lower blood pressure.
2. Fish – Contains omega 3’s to prevent arterial plaque rupture.
3. Olive oil – Contains heart healthy monounsaturated fat to reduce the risk or coronary heart disease.
4. Garlic – Contains allicin to raise HDL, lower LDL, lower homocysteine, and lower blood pressure.
5. Walnuts – Rich is essential fatty acids, healthy protein, fiber, and phytosterols (compounds to decrease absorption of dietary cholesterol).

February is American Heart Month. In recognition of American Heart Month you can access Heart Health Made Easy at a 25% savings. Learn more about this take action guide to lower cholesterol and blood pressure at http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com.

All the best,

Lisa Nelson RD
Be Heart Healthy and Lose Weight