Controlling High Blood Pressure

Controlling High Blood Pressure

According to Yogic science, among the most ancient sciences in the world, our body constitution basically is that of a vegetarian. Over this period of time man unfortunately has forgotten the benefits of consuming vegetables and fruits in their diet. These benefits are not confined to certain conditions of the body alone, but an allround development in our health and particlarly in controlling high blood pressure.

Having at least eight helpings of fresh vegetables and fruits in our daily diet helps in controlling high pressure,prevents heart disease, strokes, certain types of cancer and intestinal ailments. The leafy vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, and broccoli have the gratest effect and among the fruits citrus and strawberries wrer recommended

Incorporating vegetables into the daily diet can be done slowly one step at a time. Try to include a sandwich of sliced tomatoes and steamed cabbages without too much salt for your breakfast for a start. Control that morning coffee urge. Add some freshly chopped vegetables to your soup.

In a study which included more than 100,000 men and women over a period of 14 years, it was found that the risk of cardiovascular risks were almost 30% lower for those who included at least 8 or more servings of fresh vegetables and fruits in their food intake. Lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, swiss chard and citrus fruits were found to make significant contributions in this matter.

It has been observed that Folic acid which is found in leafy vegetables helps in controlling high blood pressure and reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases and attacks. Studies have shown a significant reduction in Systolic pressure values to almost 11 mm Hg and 6 mm Hg in Diastolic pressure, among people who followed this diet.

Cholestrol levels which contributes significantly towards elevated pressure can also be lowered by eating more fruits and vegetables, more so the LDL cholestrol. Though the exact process largely remains a mystery, it is thought that soluble fiber present in the fruits blocks the absorbtion of cholestol from food.

However from some of the evidence drawn from various studies, there is favourable evidence to suggest that a good intake of fruits and vegetables rich in folates offers protection from heart related conditions and helps in controlling high blood pressure.