Lower Pressure Blog

For most of us the thought of tuna comes with mayonnaise and bread. But you know there is more than one way to tuna, it doesn’t always come in a can. This week we are cooking, “Ahi Tuna Steaks”.

The first time I tried this was on the island of Maui. Sitting by the ocean, a lovely white wine, amazing company, and this wonderfully delicious fish. Try this recipe at home for a wonderful treat that serves four.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 jalapeno pepper, sliced
• 4 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 4 garlic cloves, grated
• 4 lime, juiced
• 1⁄2 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄8 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 oz blocks sushi-quality tuna steak
• 2 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cilantro, jalapeno, ginger, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Stir the ingredients together until well incorporated.

2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and coat with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

3. Season the tuna pieces generously with salt and pepper.

4. Lay the tuna in the hot oil and sear for 1 minute to form a slight crust; flip and sear the other side 1 minute.

5. Pour half of the cilantro mixture into the pan to coat the fish.

6. Transfer the seared tuna to plates and serve with the sliced avocado and the remaining cilantro sauce drizzled over the whole plate.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

From centenarians in Sardinia to 100+ year old Okinawans, Blue Zone inhabitants around the world have many things in common — they eat healthy diets, stay active throughout their lives, and maintain an optimistic attitude toward life. But not all Blue Zone dwellers are created equal.

Some long-lived cultures, such as those on Okinawa Island and in Loma Linda, California , also share a strong work ethic. They frequently embrace careers that require physical labor or provide social benefits to others and their community. Perhaps it is this philosophy of purposeful living that allows them to live longer lives than their more sedentary counterparts.

The report, The World’s Oldest People, was published by Blue Zones, LLC , a health and lifestyle company dedicated to helping people live longer lives. Using the research of Dan Buettner who has studied centenarians around the world for more than 20 years, they have compiled four key characteristics that are shared by many inhabitants in all Blue Zones:

• 1. They Move Naturally
• 2. They Eat Plant-Based Diets
• 3. They Have a Sense of Purpose
• 4. They Have Strong Social Networks

According to their findings, each factor interacts with one another and contributes to longevity. For example, physical activity helps maintain mental acuity while diet encourages physical activity and social connection.

But what they learn most from studying blue zones is that seniors can live a long and fulfilling life, no matter their background or family history. They find that people age in different ways — but even the most aged individuals can still be vibrant. So let’s take each one of the four to see how we can become more heart healthy.

They Move More Naturally

People who live in Blue Zones live in an environment that nudges them to do some sort of activity every 20 minutes. They do not need to go to work out in a gym. They do not have to run everyday. In fact people who live in Blue Zones do not require any further exercise than their daily routine.

For example they spend time gardening, walking to their favorite cafe instead of driving and do their daily household chores without the use of modern conveniences. They will sweep the floor instead of using a vacuum cleaner. Washing their dishes instead of dropping them in a dishwasher. If they have a lawn that needs mowing they will use a walk behind lawnmower instead of a riding mower. My grandfather would use is gas less push mower, the one with the blades, and mow his lawn.

Blue Zone people often work into their 80’s and beyond. When I was stationed in Japan there was a father and son team who used to pick up our trash. The father would pick up heavy trash cans and put them in the truck. He was 83 and as strong as an ox. Modern conveniences have done nothing to contribute to our health. In fact we are more lazy than the generation that came before us.

They Eat A Plant Based Diet

Scientists and researchers know that a plant based diet is the healthiest diet we can eat. In America we are cutting our years of life by maintaining the SAD diet (Standard American Diet). 95% of Americans do not get enough fiber in their diets.

The fiber from beans and grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts mix with the liquid in your gut to create a sort of gel, and that gel slows the absorption of sugars and the subsequent release of insulin into the bloodstream. That’s a good thing because it keeps your energy steady and strong. At the same time, it pushes against the stretch receptors in your stomach, telling your brain you’ve eaten enough.

Then the fiber acts like a scrub brush pushing through your colon, grabbing stuff from inside the nooks and crannies of your 25 ft. long intestinal tract, effectively cleaning out the gunk that could cause trouble. And perhaps best of all, it feeds the good bacteria in your gut which helps regulate inflammation and immune function.

Blue Zone people limit animal protein in their diet to no more than one small serving per day. Favor beans, greens, yams and sweet potatoes, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Whole grains are okay too. While people in four of the five Blue Zones consume meat, they do so sparingly, using it as a celebratory food, a small side, or a way to flavor dishes.

According to Walter Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health: “Meat is like radiation: We don’t know the safe level.” Indeed, research suggests that 30-year-old vegetarian Adventists will likely outlive their meat-eating counterparts by as many as eight years. At the same time, increasing the amount of plant-based foods in your meals has many salutary effects.

In the blue zones people eat an impressive variety of garden vegetables when they are in season, and then they pickle or dry the surplus to enjoy during the off-season. The best of the best longevity foods in the Blue Zones diet are leafy greens such as spinach, kale, beet and turnip tops, chard, and collards.

In Ikaria more than 75 varieties of edible greens grow like weeds; many contain ten times the polyphenols found in red wine. Studies have found that middle-aged people who consumed the equivalent of a cup of cooked greens daily were half as likely to die in the next four years as those who ate no greens.

They Have A Strong Sense Of Purpose

A 2019 JAMA Network Open study found that among a group of nearly 7,000 adults over age 50, those who scored highest on a scale that measured “life purpose” were less likely to die during the four-year study period. They were also less likely to die during the same period from heart, circulatory, or blood conditions, compared with those who scored lower.

So, what exactly is life purpose? Life purpose is defined differently by different people. But in general it indicates that you have an aim in life and goals. This purpose, the study authors said, helps make it more likely that you will engage in behaviors that are good for your health. Some studies have simply asked people what gives them a sense of purpose in life, says Erik Kim PhD. People listed such factors as:

• family and relationships
• community
• helping others
• learning new skills
• taking part in leisure activities or hobbies.

“I define it as the extent to which people experience their lives as being directed and motivated by valued life goals,” says Doctor Kim.
In this study, having more life purpose was associated with a lower rate of death during the study period overall, from cardiovascular disease and blood conditions, and also from digestive conditions.

They Have Strong Social Networks

One of the main stressors modern humans face—with corresponding effects on our biological systems—is loneliness. Loneliness has been found to increase cortisol and inflammation—both of which hurt our health over the long term.

In one study research participants were voluntarily infected with a cold virus and then had their symptoms monitored by researchers. The result? Those who were socially isolated in life were 45 percent more likely to become ill.

One way people can boost social connections is through volunteering or engaging in acts of kindness. People who volunteer tend to live longer, comparable to the benefit people receive from eating one study, elderly people who volunteered were 44 percent less likely to die over the course of a five-year study.

In other studies, volunteers show lower levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, both measures of inflammation. One study even suggests that those who engage in kind acts can see changes in the way genes for their immune system are expressed.

In Conclusion

In summary people who live in Blue Zones do in fact live longer lives than most people. They have lower risk of heart disease and other diseases than any other group of people on the planet. It is obvious that the western diet cause more illness and cuts years from our lives. Maybe it is time for us to shed our western way of eating and thinking and adopt more Blue Zones ways to increase our health, our happiness, and our lifespan.

I would recommend 2 books for you if going blue is something you would like to try.

The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 By Dan Buettner. Available On Amazon

The Blue Zones, Second Edition: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest By Dan Buettner. Available On Amazon

Craving pasta, but getting home late tonight? Skip the heavy takeout meals and instead whip up this delicious fettuccine dish that’s quick to create but tastes as decadent as if you had slaved over a hot stove for hours.You can also add some sliced chicken breast too.

The standout ingredient here is the shiitake mushrooms, which lend a distinctive and rich, buttery flavor to the dish. You’ll sauté them with lemon and garlic for less than five minutes, then finish things up with the mouthwatering combo of Parmesan cheese and basil.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon oil, olive, extra-virgin
• 3 clove(s) garlic (minced)
• 2 ounce(s) mushrooms, shiitake. Stemmed, sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
• pepper, black ground to taste
• 8 ounce(s) pasta, fettuccine, whole-wheat or whole wheat spaghetti
• 1/2 cup(s) cheese, grated Parmesan, freshly grated, (1 ounce)
• 1/2 cup(s) basil, fresh

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil for cooking pasta.

2. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Add mushrooms and increase heat to medium-high; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.

3. Meanwhile, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 9 to 11 minutes or according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.

4. Add the pasta, the reserved cooking liquid, Parmesan and 1/4 cup basil to the mushrooms in the skillet; toss to coat well. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining basil.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

Sugar vs Artificial Sweeteners

Poor lifestyle behaviors are the leading causes of preventable diseases globally. Added sugars contribute to a diet that is energy dense but nutrient poor. Sugar also increases the risk of developing obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity-related cancers, and dental caries.

2009 American Heart Association released a scientific statement titled “Dietary Sugars Intake and Cardiovascular Health”. They concluded that the current intake of added sugars among Americans greatly exceeds discretionary calorie allowances based on the 2005 US Dietary Guidelines.

The present statement from the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association addresses the potential role of artificial sweeteners in helping Americans to adhere to this recommendation in the context of current usage and health perspectives.

By definition, NNS, otherwise referred to as very low-calorie sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, noncaloric sweeteners, and intense sweeteners, have a higher intensity of sweetness per gram than caloric sweeteners. Sweeteners such as sucrose, corn syrups, and fruit juice concentrates. As a caloric sweetener replacement, they are added in smaller quantities; hence, they provide no or few calories.

In our current food supply, artificial sweeteners are widely used in thousands of beverages and other food products. Products such as diet soft drinks, yogurts, desserts, and gum. Food manufacturers often use a blend of artificial sweetener or use a blend of sugar and NNS to improve the flavor acceptability.

Types of Artificial Sweeteners

The FDA has approved five artificial sweeteners: saccharin, acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, and sucralose. It has also approved one natural low-calorie sweetener, stevia. How the human body and brain respond to these sweeteners is very complex.

One concern is that people who use artificial sweeteners may replace the lost calories through other sources. Possibly offsetting weight loss or health benefits, says Dr. Ludwig. This can happen because we like to fool ourselves: “I’m drinking diet soda, so it’s okay to have cake.” The AHA and ADA also added this caveat to their recommendation.

It’s also possible that these products change the way we taste food. “Non-nutritive sweeteners are far more potent than table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. A minuscule amount produces a sweet taste comparable to that of sugar, without comparable calories.

Over-stimulation of sugar receptors from frequent use of these hyper-intense sweeteners may limit tolerance for more complex tastes,” explains Dr. Ludwig. That means people who routinely use artificial sweeteners may start to find less intensely sweet foods, such as fruit, less appealing and unsweetened foods, such as vegetables, downright unpalatable.

The theory that artificial sweeteners caused cancer was the original concern about their use decades ago, but again the research is mixed. Originally, bladder cancer was the largest concern because saccharine was found to cause bladder cancer in some laboratory animals. Out of 32 studies looking at whether artificial sweeteners increase the risk of bladder or urinary tract cancer, eleven found a positive association and 20 reported no association.

Hyperactivity and Insomnia

A study in Australia researched the effects of artificial sweeteners on hyperactivity and sleep. The study also found the sweetener promoted hyperactivity, insomnia, and reduced sleep quality, which replicated a fasting state.

Professor Neely said while the animal results do not necessarily translate to humans, there was some good news for sweetener fans.

“We found it was reversible, when animals stop taking artificial sweeteners for three days their responses go back to normal.”

Yes there is a plethora of information on both sides of the debate. But n the end, you will have to decide if artificial sweeteners are right for you and your family.

This one-pot chicken dish relies on a fun and unexpected technique: sautéing the meat alongside bite-sized tomatoes that take on a deep, rich flavor as they cook. It’s a great trick for those non-summer months with the selection in the produce aisle leaves a bit to be desired.

Ingredients:

1½ pounds small chicken cutlets (8 to 12)

kosher salt and pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1½ pints grape or cherry tomatoes

¾ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)

4 scallions, sliced

2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1- Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2-Working in 2 batches, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to plates.

3-Add the tomatoes to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they begin to burst, 2 to 3 minutes.

4- Add the wine and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes.
5-Stir in the scallions and tarragon and serve with the chicken.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States. More than 140,000 people die each year from a stroke in the U.S. Having a stroke is also the leading cause of having a lifetime disability.

Each year approximately 795,000 people will suffer from a stroke. Of those, 600,000 will experience their first stroke and 185,000 people will experience a recurrent attack.

So today we will be learning what are the signs and symptoms of a stroke, talk about the connection between high blood pressure and stroke, and discuss what we can do to prevent a stroke.

Can you get a stroke at any age?

On Average, someone in the United States will have a stroke every 40 seconds. And age does not matter, although some age brackets have a higher rate than others.

For example, while I was in the Marine Corp, my childhood friend Danny also decided to join. He was in basic training when I got a call from my parents. I could hear from the tone in my dad’s voice it was not good news.

My friend Danny had had a major stroke while drilling on the parade grounds. He was left unable to do anything for himself. He could not communicate with us and he was more like a one-year-old child. He was helpless. He was only 19 years old.

So if you are thinking you are too young to have a stroke, you’re not. The information we are going to provide for you may, in the end, save your life.

What is a stroke? 

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bringing blood and oxygen to the brain becomes blocked by a clot or ruptures. When this occurs, brain cells do not get the blood and oxygen they need to survive. This, in turn, causes nerve cells to begin dying within minutes. Then, the part of the body they control stops functioning.

The effects of a stroke can be permanent depending on how many nerve cells have been destroyed, where they are located in the brain and other factors.

The symptoms of a stroke can be a weakness, paralysis, and language motor function. A stroke can also affect your vision and cause other problems.

What is a mini-stroke?

A “mini-stroke”, also known as TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery for a short time. The symptoms of a TIA are the same as a stroke. But unlike a stroke, the symptoms last for only a few minutes.

According to the American Heart Association, 15% of major strokes are preceded by a TIA. Don’t ignore it. Call 911 immediately.

FAST stroke signs

Knowing the common warning signs of a stroke is very important. Every minute counts. Use the FAST test to check for the most common symptoms of a stroke, for yourself, or someone else.

• Face- Smile and see if one side of your face droops.
• Arms- Raise both arms over your head. Does one arm drop down?
• Speech- Say a short phrase and check for slurred or strange speech.
• Time- If you answered yes to any one of these, call 911 immediately! And write down what time the symptoms started.

Time is precious in treating a stroke every minute counts. From the onset of the stroke, there is what is called the “Golden Hour”. Do not waste time calling your doctor and do not drive the person having the stroke to the hospital. Paramedic teams are better equipped and have more knowledge that just might save your life.

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

Sometimes the symptoms of a stroke may progress gradually. Sometimes not. But here are the symptoms you are more than likely to observe.

• Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, usually occurring on one side.
• Confusion or trouble understanding other people.
• Difficulty speaking.
• Trouble seeing with one or both eyes.
• Problems with walking and/or coordination.
• Dizziness.
• A severe headache that comes on for no reason.

If you have any of these symptoms call 911 immediately.

Non-traditional stroke symptoms

• Pain in the face or half of the body.
• Mental status change. Including Disorientation, confusion or loss of consciousness.
• A headache.
• General neurological symptoms. Hiccups, nausea, weakness.
• Non-neurological symptoms include chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

The Golden Hour

There is a 60 minute period of time called the “Golden Hour.” It is during that 1 hour period that those who have suffered from a sudden stroke can have the results of that stroke reversed with thrombolytic clot-busting agents. This is why you do not have time to waste with the onset of symptoms. From my own nursing career, I have seen dramatic results of reversal in some of my patients.

The Financial Burden

Having a stroke is not only physically and emotionally draining, but it can also drain your finances quickly. The average cost of the hospital stay not including physicians, is $15,000. The average hospital stay is 5 days.

The mean lifetime cost of a stroke patient is between $165,537-$199,904. Depending on what type of stroke you have the treatment cost alone can be anywhere from $20,400-$32,00.

Strokes injure families

My mom was 64 years old when she passed away from a massive stroke. She refused to go to the hospital. My dad to called 911, finally, she went. But the damage was not reversible and 2 days later she passed away.

If someone you love exhibits the signs of a stroke, get help immediately. Don’t wait! I miss my mom and I do not want you to experience the same thing I did. With today’s technology, the outcome can be so much better for everyone.

 

This weeks heart healthy recipe is provided by Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s website. For over 25 years, Dr. Fuhrman has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes and many other diseases using smart nutrition. So try this amazing recipe and turn your dinner into a gustatory delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 red peppers, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 large yellow squash, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Braggs Liquid Aminos or low sodium soy sauce
• black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces wild-caught salmon (see note)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 12 cups mixed greens

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Lightly coat a large baking pan using a paper towel moistened with olive oil. Place vegetables in the pan. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Braggs Liquid Aminos, and black pepper and toss with vegetables. Roast in the oven for 18 – 20 minutes, until tender, stirring once.

3. Cut salmon into 4 pieces. Season with garlic powder and black pepper. Place salmon, skin side down on a non-stick baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees until salmon is cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.

4. Place mixed greens on serving plates. Top with roasted vegetables and salmon.

A. Note: Baked Tofu Strips may be substituted for the salmon.

B. To prepare Baked Tofu Strips: Cut 1 pound of extra firm tofu into 1 inch strips. Place on a lightly oiled baking dish and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon each garlic powder and onion powder. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, turning once, until yellow and firm on the outside and still tender inside.

We collected dozens of great heart healthy recipes for you – Here they are…

You can live a healthier life if you treat and manage your high blood pressure. There are many ways to do so: losing weight, making some lifestyle modifications, quit smoking, exercise, and also – taking natural remedies.

In this article, we will review 7 natural remedies that science suggests might help in treating hypertension

1. Raw Almonds

When added to a healthy diet, almonds can help influence lower blood pressure levels. In fact, almonds are included in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension — DASH Diet.

In the diet, almonds are included in the “nuts, seeds and legumes” group. The diet recommends eating four to five servings of this food group per week. With regard to almonds, one serving of almonds is just one-third cup.

The healthy monounsaturated fat in almonds contributes to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduced arterial inflammation, which ultimately helps lower the pressure inside the arteries.

Here’s a great pasta recipe with Almonds

2. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper is probably the fastest way to lower high blood pressure. Cayenne pepper is a powerful vasodilator, which means it helps expand blood vessels and improve blood flow.

This effect naturally lowers blood pressure levels by increasing the rate at which blood flows throughout the circulatory system, which in turn takes some of the pressure off arterial walls.

Either mix one teaspoon of cayenne pepper with half a cup of lukewarm water or mix two tablespoons of raw organic honey with two teaspoons of cayenne pepper; boil them with eight ounces of water and drink when it is warm.

Here are two recipes for the spicy lovers:

• Amazing Cauliflower Gold Recipe
• Grilled Peanut Chicken Recipe

A side note: Be careful how many Scoville Units your cayenne pepper is. I bought mine, 90,000 Scoville Units, and OMG. I thought I was going to breathe fire.

3. Coconut Water

Coconut water finds itself high on the list of home remedies for high blood pressure. One of the causes of high blood pressure is an imbalance of electrolytes in the blood.

Since coconut water contain an adequate supply of minerals and salts, it can help counter this imbalance. Modern researchers say the potassium content in coconut water plays a huge role in lowering blood pressure.

Both potassium chloride (seen in supplements) and potassium citrate (seen in foods) can help with your blood pressure levels. Potassium helps balance out the level of sodium in your blood and keeps your body functioning properly.

Coconut water sometimes appears in the market as coconut milk but coconut milk and water are two different things. They are commonly used in Asian recipes as their vegetable version of milk cream. Here are a few great recipes we collected:

• Spicy Coconut Curry With Basmati Rice
• Thai Style Coconut and Coriander Chicken
• Sri Lanka Vegetable Coconut Curry

4. Raw Cacao

Flavanols an anti-inflammatory and heart-protective antioxidant found in raw cacao may protect against cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of stroke, and help improve blood circulation.

Thus lowering your blood pressure. Cacao contains over 700 compounds and the complex antioxidants found in it known as polyphenols help reduce ‘bad cholesterol’ and prevent hardening of the arteries.

How about a vegan truffle? Try this recipe.

5. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

A study published in the Journal of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, looked at the effect that vinegar has on blood pressure if it is introduced to your diet.

The results of the research showed that consumption of acetic acid (which is found in apple cider vinegar) caused a significant reduction in hypertension (high blood pressure). The research found that the acetic acid reduced blood pressure by lowering the renin activity. Renin is an enzyme which helps regulate blood pressure.

I mix 1-2 tablespoons in a glass of warm water in the morning. I have found one I like: Braggs.

6. Raw Garlic

As the body increases production of an enzyme called angiotensin I-converting enzyme, or “ACE”, blood pressure increases. Pharmaceutical drugs called ACE inhibitors work by blocking the formation of this enzyme, but they have multiple side effects.

Garlic contains gamma-glutamylcysteine, a natural ACE inhibitor. Research suggest that, this chemical, in combination with the high allicin content, gives garlic its ability to dilate arteries, thereby lowering blood pressure.

I usually take one clove of garlic and remove the skin, chew well and swallow. Yes nobody wants to be around me after. You can also buy in pill form.

To learn how Garlic may help lower blood pressure read this article

7.Turmeric

Research shows that turmeric can reduce hypertension by regulating the activity of angiotensin receptors and thereby preventing the blood vessels from constricting. Not only curcumin, a turmeric oil fraction, and turmerone also demonstrate similar activity.

Turmeric by itself is not easily absorbed into the body. When speaking with a cardiac-surgeon I know, he told me that I needed to put a pinch of fresh black pepper on my tongue. This allows the body to absorb the turmeric increasing the efficacy.

A WARNING: Taking turmeric over an extended period of time can cause bleeding. My clotting factors were off when I had been on it long term postponing my surgery by 2 weeks.

When starting anything new please consult your primary care physician. Always check to see if any of there natural remedies interfere with your current medication. You can also speak with your local pharmacist.

Read this article for additional information on turmeric and blood pressure.

Further reading on natural remedies for high blood pressure

• What is normal blood pressure?
• How to lower blood pressure naturally with nuts

What Is Coriander?

Coriander has been used as a digestive aid for thousands of years, with evidence of its use dating as far back as 5,000 B.C. It’s mentioned in Sanskrit texts, ancient Egyptian papyri, the Old Testament and the writings of the Greek physician Hippocrates. The Roman armies brought it to Europe, where it was used to preserve meats, and the Chinese believed it counteracted food poisoning.

Coriander grows wild over a wide area of Western Asia and Southern Europe, and archaeological findings point toward cultivation by ancient Egyptians. It also appears to have been cultivated in Greece since at least the second millennium B.C. In 1670, it was first brought to the British colonies of North America and was one of the first spices cultivated by early settlers.

Coriander, also known as cilantro, Chinese parsley or dhania, is a herb in the family Apiaceae. Scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum, the plant is native to the regions of southern Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia. The plant is packed with essential oils, acids, minerals, and vitamins.

Coriander grows wild over a wide area of Western Asia and Southern Europe, and archaeological findings point toward cultivation by ancient Egyptians. It also appears to have been cultivated in Greece since at least the second millennium B.C. In 1670, it was first brought to the British colonies of North America and was one of the first spices cultivated by early settlers.

Here are the 7 health benefits of coriander.

1. Coriander may help you manage your high blood pressure. It has been shown that coriander could positively reduce blood pressure in individuals suffering from hypertension. Constituents from coriander interact with calcium ions and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, relaxing blood vessel tension.

2. It could help you with anemia. Low iron content in the blood can result in shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, and a decrease in brain functions. Coriander is high in iron, which can reverse some symptoms of anemia.

3. This herb can help increase bone health. Coriander is a rich source of calcium. Calcium, along with other minerals, can help prevent osteoporosis and protect bone strength and durability.

4. Protects against mouth ulcers. Citronellol, a constituent in coriander, can clean the mouth. This speeds up the healing process of wounds and freshens the breath.

5. It can also help individuals with type 2 diabetes. Coriander shows to increase the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, which then raises the insulin level in the blood. This can help individuals, particularly people with type 2 diabetes, lower the risk of dangerous sugar spikes.

6. Coriander can help prevent and even cure smallpox. Coriander contains essential oils rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-infectious and detoxifying components and acids can prevent and cure smallpox, as well as have a soothing effect on smallpox patients.

7. Finally, it can help individuals with indigestion. Studies have been shown to decrease the occurrence of dyspepsia, or indigestion when coriander was added into the diet.

Recipe For Health

Ingredients:

• Coriander leaves – 1 cup
• Celery – 1 cupWater – 4 glasses

Directions:

• Take 4 glasses of water in a container.
• Add 1 cup each of coriander leaves and celery to it.
• Boil them for 20 minutes.
• Strain and drink that water.
• Do this daily once to reduce high blood pressure.