Moringa: The Outstanding Plant That Reduces Hypertension, Stops Diabetes, Kills Pain

Moringa oleifera is a popular plant which has been long used for its healing properties.  It is packed with bioactive plant compounds and antioxidant, out of which only a small percentage has been investigated by the researchers.

Below you have a list of 6 health benefits of Moringa oleifera that are backed up by scientific research.

1. Moringa Oleifera Is Very Nutritious

Almost all parts of the plant are edible or used as ingredients in natural remedies.  The pods and leaves are particularly used in parts of Africa and India.

The leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals and as little as a cup of fresh leave provides 2 grams protein, 8 % of the RDA for magnesium, 11% of the RDA for iron, 9% of the RDA for vitamin A, 12% of the RDA for vitamin C, 11% of the RDA for riboflavin, and 19% of the RDA for B6.

The pods, on the other hand, are lower in vitamins and minerals. However, they are packed with vitamin c and only a cup of fresh pods contains up to 157% of the RDA for vitamin C.

Note that if you are taking Moringa oleifera as a supplement, using capsules will not yield large amounts of nutrients.

2. Moringa Oleifera Is Rich In Antioxidants

Antioxidants fight off free radical, compounds which cause oxidative stress in the body and lead to chronic diseases like type II diabetes and chronic diseases.  Apart from vitamin C and beta-carotene, Moringa oleifera contains a wide range of other antioxidants, such as quercetin which helps lowers blood pressure and chrologenic acid which regulates blood sugar levels after meals.

A study in women has found that taking 1.5 teaspoons of moringa leaf powder on a daily basis over the course of three months notably increased antioxidant levels within the blood.

3. Moringa Oleifera May Lower Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar is a serious health issue and is considered to be the major characteristic of diabetes.  On the long run, it increases the risk of many health conditions, such as heart disease.  This is the reason why one should keep blood sugar levels within the optimal range.

Multiple studies have shown that this plant helps lower blood sugar levels, although most of the evidence is based on animal studies as the human ones are of low quality.

In a study in which 30 women were given 7 grams of moringa leaf powder daily for three months they reduces fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5 percent.

4. Moringa Oleifera May Reduce Inflammation

While inflammation is normal when kept in check and it serves as body`s natural response to an injury, it may become a huge problem if it goes out of control.  Chronic inflammation has been linked to various chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

Many fruits, veggies, plants, and spices are known to contain anti-inflammatory properties, out of which pomegranates and turmeric are the most powerful.

Moringa leaves, seeds and pods have been scientifically shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, which are attributed to the isothiocyanates content.

5. Moringa Oleifera Can Lower Cholesterol

High levels of cholesterol within the blood have been associated with an elevated risk of heart disease.  There are many plant foods with cholesterol-lowering properties, including almonds, oats, and flaxseeds.  Animal and human studies have confirmed that Moringa oleifera have similar properties.

6. Moringa Oleifera May Protect Against Arsenic Toxicity

Arsenic contamination is very common problem these days. Rice in particular contains high levels of arsenic and while arsenic in food and water doesn’t show symptoms of toxicity right away, long-term exposure causes serious health problems.  Multiple studies have shown that exposure to arsenic on the long run may raise the risk of both heart disease and cancer.

A few studies done on mice and rats have shown that the leaves and seeds of this plant prevent certain effect of arsenic toxicity.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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Celery Reduces High Blood Pressure, Cleanses Kidneys, and Relieves Arthritic And Gout Pain!

Celery is a member of the same family as fennel and parsley. The white variety is grown from direct sunlight, meaning that it contains less chlorophyll than its greener counterpart.  The celery ribs are quite crunchy and are typically used to make salad or soup.  Given that it has salty taste, celery goes well with sweeter fruit juices.

Nutritional Benefits

Celery leaves are packed with vitamin A, while the stems are great source of vitamins like B1, B2, B6, and C as well as minerals like iron, phosphorus, calcium, folate, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and various essential amino acids.

The nutrients in the fiber are released during juicing, promoting healthy bowel movements. Sodium present in celery is an organic one, which makes it ideal for salt-sensitive individuals who cannot stand table salt which is quite detrimental, particularly for those suffering from hypertension.

Although most foods are deprived of great deal of their nutrients during cooking, most of the healthy compounds in celery withstand high temperatures well.

Health Benefits

Celery has been linked with lowering blood pressure levels. When mixed with other juices, it provides formula which helps treat other conditions.

It has been scientifically shown that celery might be an effective tool for fighting cancer, too. The list of celery`s benefits is quite extended, but here are some of the best:

1. Acidity

The mineral content of this veggie balances body`s pH levels and neutralizes acidity.

2. Athletes

Celery juice serves as ideal post-workout tonic because it helps restore lost electrolytes and hydrates the body with its high mineral content.

3. Blood Pressure

As already discussed earlier, celery contains organic sodium which helps reduce blood pressure rather than increase it. Regular consumption of celery juice notably lowers blood pressure levels, most probably due to the compound called phthalide, which relaxes the muscles around the arteries and promotes normal blood flow. For optimal results, drink the juice for a week, make a 3-week break, and start over again.

4. Cancer

Celery contains up to 8 different anti-cancer compounds, including acetylenics, which inhibit the growth of tumor cells; phenolic acids which stop the action of prostaglandins which stimulate tumor growth; and coumarins which prevent free radicals from causing damage to the cells.

5. Cholesterol

Celery juice has been shown to lower total cholesterol and bad cholesterol ( LDL).

6. Colon and stomach cancer

The aforementioned coumarins prevent both the formation and metastasis of colon and stomach cancers.

7. Constipation

Celery acts as natural laxative which relieves constipation safely and in an all-natural way. It works by relaxing the nerves which have been overwhelmed by man-made laxatives.

8. Cooling

Drinking a celery juice every few hours is one of the best ways to cool down and normalize body temperature on a dry and hot day.

9. Diuretic

Sodium and potassium present in celery juice help stimulate urine production and regulate body fluids, which makes celery an important tool to remove excess fluids from the system.

10. Inflammation

Celery contains polyacetylene, a compound which relieves inflammation of all kinds, such as gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, and more.

11. Urinary stones

Thanks to its diuretic effect, celery juice helps dissolve and eliminate urinary stones and gallstones easier.

12. Weight loss

Celery juice is a great weight loss tool as it helps reduce unhealthy cravings.

13. Nervous System

The alkaline minerals present in this veggie calm the nervous system,  so celery juice is ideal for those suffering from insomnia.

Consumption Tips

Choose green celery with firm ribs. Keep it in a sealed container or a plastic bag. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for an extended period of time as it wilts quite quickly.

Caution

Celery produces its own pesticide which protects it from fungi. It is called psoralens and it causes skin problems in some people.

In addition to this, some people with low blood pressure complain that celery makes it even lower, so be careful.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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Prevent Stroke, Hypertension and Heart Attack By Consuming The World’s #1 Food

If you are searching for the healthiest food in the world, we have something to show you.

You should definitely try dates. They are full of beneficial effects that are able to soothe issues such as hypertension, cholesterol, heart attack and strokes.

They’re going to build up your metabolism in the body in no time because they are packed with large amounts of nutrients. These are the most important reasons why you should implement dates into your diet.

These Fruits Are Full Of Iron

The presence of iron in these tasty fruits makes them ideal for pregnant women, children and people who suffer from anemia. 0.9 mg of iron is consisted in 100 grams of dates 11% of the recommended daily intake. Iron supports the flow of oxygen through the blood and also has beneficial effects on the hemoglobin and red blood cells.

Dates soothe constipation

These fruits are rich in relieving properties that soothe constipation and diarrhea. In order to boosts you digestion, put some dates in water to stay during the night and then drink it the next morning. The effects are mild and laxative.

Prevent diarrhea

The presence of potassium in their content relieves the belly flora and the intestines, prevents diarrhea and stimulates more effective bacteria in this way.

Control bodyweight

You should definitely consume dates if you want to prevent excessive fat. Since they have no cholesterol, dates are going to control your body weight.

Regulate cholesterol

LDL or bad cholesterol can be regulated by these fruits. They prevent blood clots and cleanse blood vessels.

Strengthen the heart

Soak some dates at night, strain them in the morning and put out the seeds. You can also blend the seeds.

Prevent Stroke

As we already mentioned above, the presence of potassium in dates prevents any stroke and significantly improves the nervous system.

Regulate Blood Pressure

A lot of dates should be consumed by people who suffer from hypertension. They have no sodium and are rich in potassium. 80 mg of magnesium are consisted in 5-6 dates. This mineral improves the blood flow and lowers blood sugar.

You have no reasons to worry if you consume several dates a day.

source: http://www.healthytipsworld.net

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5 herbs that anyone with high blood pressure needs to know about

The prevalence of hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is constantly on the rise all across the world.  In the U.S alone, it currently affects 70 million adult, which is one in every three adults.  It is also worth mentioning that about a third of American citizens have prehypertension, a condition which is characterized by high blood pressure, but not yet HBP. This disease costs the USA $46 billion annually, including the cost of medications, treatment, and health care services.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a term referring to an increased pressure of blood in the arteries, which may be caused by two major factors:

The heart pumps blood too forcefully
The body`s smaller blood vessels became narrow, which causes the blood to exert more pressure
Blood pressure is measured by the amount of force that the heart pumps through the body.  The pressure can be measured by the amount of force used, the volume of the pumped blood, and the size and flexibility of the arteries.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

Primary Hypertension is the most prevalent type of HBP. It is believed that genetic factors have a critical role in this condition, including genes that cause abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous system and those affecting blood pressure control.

Secondary Hypertension is typically caused by an underlying medical condition or factors like medications.  Among them are:

• Birth defect in the aorta, (the main artery of the heart)
• Endocrine disorders
• Diabetes type 1 and 2
• Kidney disease
• Birth control pills
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (generic, Advil, Motrin), naproxen (generic, Aleve), and Aspirin
• Corticosteroids

Risk Factors

• Men over 45 and women over 55
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Obesity
• Family history
• Chronic alcohol use
• Chronic stress
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking

The Harm in Pharmaceutical Treatment

There are various options for drug treatments for hypertension, including  beta blockers,  calcium channel blockers (CCBs), diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE),  and Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB). The problem with these drugs is almost all of them cause the patient to feel even worse that the disease itself has caused him to feel in the first place.

Diuretics

Treatment:  These drugs help the kidneys flush out excess salt and water in the body and are usually the first treatment prescribed in case of hypertension.

Medication brands:

1. Thiazide diuretics – hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone, Clorpres), methyclothiazide (Enduran), indapamide (Lozol), bendroflumethiazide (Naturetin), and metolazone (Zaroxolyn)
2. Potassium-sparing diuretics – spironolactone (Aldactone, generic), amiloride (Midamor, generic), and triamterene (Dyrenium, generic)
3. Loop diuretics – bumetanide (Bumex, generic), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin, generic), furosemide (Lasix, generic), and torsemide (Demadex, generic)

Complications:

Thiazide diuretics may lower body`s supply of potassium, which in turn increases the risk for heart rhythm disturbances. They are also associated with elevated uric acid levels, erectile dysfunction, and elevated blood sugar levels.

Side effects:

• Urinary incontinence
• Reduced sexual drive
• Fatigue
• Depression and irritability

Beta Blockers

Treatment: Beta blockers slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure levels.

Medication brands: Propranolol (Inderal), acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), betaxolol (Kerlone), carteolol (Cartrol), nadolol (Corgard), timolol (Blocadren), penbutolol (Levatol), pindolol (Visken), carvedilol (Coreg), and nebivolol (Bystolic).

Complications:

• They may narrow bronchial airways, which makes the drug inappropriate for those with chronic bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema
• They increase the risk for diabetes when combined with a diuretic
• Sudden withdrawals may increase heart rate and blood pressure which can cause angina or a heart attack

Side effects:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Reduced exercising abilities
• Coldness in extremities (legs, arms, toes, and hands)
• Reduced sexual drive
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Vivid dreams and nightmares
• Depression
• Memory loss

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)

Treatment: These drugs widen the blood vessels and reduce the overall workload of the heart, thus treating high blood pressure.

Medication brands: captopril (Capoten, generic), quinapril (Accupril, generic), enalapril (Vasotec, generic), perindopril (Aceon, generic), benazepril (Lotensin, generic), ramipril (Altace, generic), and lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril, generic).

Side effects:

• Irritating cough
• Unfit for pregnancy
• Low blood pressure

 Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs)

Treatment: Just like ACE, ARBs also widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Medication brands: Losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar, generic), candesartan (Atacand), telmisartan (Micardis), olmesartan (Benicar), valsartan (Diovan), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro), and azilsartan (Edarbi).

Side effects:

• Raised potassium levels
• Drowsiness
• Low blood pressure
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness
• Unfit for pregnancy

Calcium-channel blockers (CCBs)

Treatment: CCBs helps relax the blood vessels.

Medication brands: Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor), felodipine (Plendil), amlodipine (Norvasc), isradipine (DynaCirc), nicardipine (Cardene), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan), nisoldipine (Sular), and nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia).

Side effects:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Gingivitis
• Rash
• Constipation
• Food interactions

Herbs: The Natural Alternative to Treat High Blood Pressure

1.      Hawthorn

This thorny shrub has been long used to treat heart disease.   It possesses potent antioxidant flavonoids which improve blood glow, dilate the blood vessels, and protect them from potential damage. The leaves and buds of this herb contain higher amount of flavonoids when compared to the berries. According to a study done on hawthorn,  participants who took hawthorn extract for sixteen weeks had lower blood pressure than the placebo.

2.     Lime Blossom

The flowers of this herb have been long used to heal issues like anxiety. They contain volatile oil, flavonoids, and mucilage component, all of which work in synergy to soothe inflammation.  Interestingly, linden works as potent sedative, diuretic, astringent, and antispasmodic agent.

3.     Mistletoe

It has been scientifically shown that mistletoe neutralizes blood sugar levels in diabetics and helps treat cardiovascular disease. It is capable of soothing rheumatic and arthritic pain, too.

4.      Hibiscus

In one study male participants aged 30 to 65 years, were given 250 ml of hibiscus tea while the placebo group was given only water.  The first group exhibited improvement in blood pressure and inflammation when compared to the placebo volunteers.

5.      Yarrow

Yarrow holds a special place in folk medicine in many European countries. It is packed with flavonoids which improve digestion and relax the smooth muscles in the intestine and uterus. Its flowers, stems, and leaves are widely used for medicinal purposes, particularly when it comes to lowering blood pressure and boosting the effects of drugs used for this condition.


source: http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com

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Hypertension? 6 powerful foods that will protect you from this silent killer

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery wall is so high that it may eventually cause a wide range of health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Blood pressure is measured by the amount of blood the heart pumps as well as the amount of resistance to blood flow in the arteries. In other words, the more blood the heart pumps and the more restricted the arteries, the higher the blood pressure.  Although these measurements are individualized and depend on age and gender, generally anything above 140/90 is considered high.

Some of the most common cause of hypertension include:

• Genetics
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Lack of physical activity
• Stress
• Obesity
• High intake of salt
• Birth control pills
• Long-term use of pain relievers
• Kidney disease

While this condition is typically treated with medications, there are also natural remedies available, which are proven to be effective and safe to use. Check them out!

1. Lemons

Being packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, lemons help minimize the negative effects of free radicals in the body.  They are also capable of keeping the blood vessels soft, which is vital when it comes to lowering blood pressure.  A good way to incorporate lemon juice in your diet is by drinking lemon water on a regular basis.  Lemon water provides proper hydration while keeping your blood pressure in check!

2. Watermelon Seeds

According to a recent study, watermelon seeds are an effective tool for lowering blood pressure, due to their vasodilatory capabilities. The best way to reap their benefits is by crushing them and adding the powder to water, juice, or tea.

3. Garlic

Garlic offers a wide plethora of health benefits, among which is its ability to lower both blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  It stimulates the production of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide, which helps relax the blood vessels and lower the blood pressure naturally. Eating two garlic cloves on an empty stomach or adding garlic to your meals is enough to keep your blood pressure in check.

4. Bananas

Thanks to their high potassium content, bananas minimize the negative effect of sodium in the body.  Eating bananas on a daily basis is highly recommended for people with high blood pressure.

5. Coconut Water

People with high blood pressure need to keep their body properly hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily.  Coconut water is much tastier and has robust nutritional profile. It is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, all of which work in synergy to lower blood pressure.

6. Celery

Celery is abundant in phytochemical 3-N-butylphthalide, a compound which is extremely effective in lowering blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels and creating enough space to stimulate normal blood flow.  In addition to this, celery reduces stress, which is known as one of the most common contributors to hypertension.  Eating as little as one stalk of celery daily is enough to keep your blood pressure in check.


source: http://justnaturallyhealthy.com

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