Health Benefits of Dates

Health Benefits of Dates

The benefits of dates include relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anemia,  sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, abdominal cancer, and many other conditions. Dates are good for gaining weight also. Dates are rich in several vitamins, minerals and fiber too. These delicious fruits contain oil, calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which are all beneficial for health. Some health specialists have said that eating one day per day is necessary for a balanced and healthy diet.

The massive health benefits of dates have made them one of the best ingredients for muscle development. People consume dates in several ways, such as mixing the paste of the dates with milk, yogurt or with bread or butter to make them even more delicious. The paste is beneficial for both adults and children, especially during a time of recovery from injury or illness.

According to a modern medical survey, it is now accepted that dates are useful in preventing abdominal cancer. Many Muslims break their fast by eating dates and water according to their cultural traditions. Breaking fast by eating dates helps avoid overeating of food after the fast is finished. When the body begins to absorb the high nutritional value of the dates, feelings of hunger are pacified. Also, the nervous system can get a lot of help from consuming dates, since they have such significant amounts of potassium.

Dates are one of the very best sweet and versatile foods that can regulate the digestive process. It can significantly boost energy levels in people within half an hour of consuming it. The American Cancer Society recommends an intake of 20-35 grams of dietary fiber per day, which can be supplied through dates. It is also said that taking one date per a day will help you to maintain your eye health all your life. They are commonly known to be quite effective in guarding against the problem of night blindness.

Nutritional Value of Dates

Dates are a good source of various vitamins and minerals. Its a good source of energy, sugar and fiber. Essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc are found in dates.  It also contains vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A and vitamin K.

Health Benefits of Dates

Constipation: Dates are often categorized as a laxative food. This is why dates are so frequently eaten by people suffering from constipation. In order to achieve the desired laxative effect of dates, you should soak them in water over night. Then, eat the soaked dates in the morning like syrup to get the most optimal results. Dates have high levels of soluble fiber, which is essential in promoting healthy bowel movements and the comfortable passage of food through the intestinal tract, which can relieve symptoms of constipation.

Bone Health and Strength: The significant amounts of minerals found in dates make it a super food for strengthening bones and fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Dates contain selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, all of which are integral to healthy bone development and strength, particularly as people begin to age and their bones gradually weaken. So, eat your dates and give a boost to your bones!

Intestinal Disorders: The nicotine content in dates is thought to be beneficial for curing many kinds of intestinal disorders. Continuous intake of dates helps to inhibit growth of the pathological organisms and thus, they help stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines. In terms of digestive issues, dates contain those insoluble and soluble fibers, as well as many beneficial amino acids which can stimulate the digestion of food and make it more efficient, meaning that more nutrients will be absorbed by the digestive tract and enter your body for proper usage.

Anemia: Dates have a high mineral content, which is beneficial for many different health conditions, but their impressive levels of iron make them a perfect dietary supplement for people suffering from anemia. The high level of iron balances out the inherent lack of iron in anemic patients, increasing energy and strength, while decreasing feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.

Allergies: One of the most interesting facets of dates is the presence of organic sulfur in them. This is not a very common element to find in foods, but it does have a worthwhile amount of health benefits, including the reduction of allergic reactions and seasonal allergies. According to a study done in 2002, organic sulfur compounds can have a positive impact on the amount of suffering people experience from SAR (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis), which affects approximately 23 million people in the United States alone. Dates are a great way to somewhat stem the effects of those seasonal allergies through its contributions of sulfur to the diet.

Weight Gain: Dates should be included as a  part of a healthy diet. They consist of sugar, proteins and many essential vitamins. If dates are consumed with cucumber paste, you can also keep your weight at a normal, balanced level, rather than over-slimming. One kilogram of dates contains almost 3,000 calories, and the calories in dates are sufficient to meet the daily requirements for a human body. Of course, you should not eat just dates throughout the day. If you are thin and slim and want to increase your weight, or if you are trying to build your muscles to impress some girl, or you have become weak due to a serious medical problem – you need to eat dates!

Energy Booster: Dates are high in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Therefore, they are the perfect snack for an immediate burst of energy. Many people around the world use dates for a quick afternoon snack when they are feeling lethargic or sluggish.

Nervous System Health: The vitamins present in dates make it an ideal boost to nervous system health and functionality. Potassium is one of the prime ingredients in promoting a healthy and responsive nervous system, and it also improves the speed and alertness of brain activity. Therefore, dates are a wonderful food source for people as they begin to age and their nervous system becomes sluggish or unsupported, as well as for people who want to keep their mind sharp.

Healthy Heart: Dates are quite helpful in keeping your heart healthy. When they are soaked for the night, crushed in the morning and then consumed, they have been shown to have a positive effect on weak hearts. Dates are also a rich source of potassium, which studies have shown to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart related diseases. Furthermore, they are suggested as a healthy and delicious way to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, which is a major contributing factor heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, when taken twice a week, dates can seriously improve the overall health of the heart.

Sexual Weakness: Studies have shown that dates are even beneficial for increasing sexual stamina. Soak a handful of dates in fresh goat’s milk over night, then grind them in the same milk with a mixture of cardamom powder and honey. This mixture becomes a very useful tonic for increasing sexual endurance and reducing sterility caused by various sexual disorders. The science behind this phenomenon is largely due to traditional usage which stimulated formal research. In 2006, Bahmanpour studied the effects of date palms and their oil on sexual functioning and found that the high levels of estradiol and flavonoid components of dates are what increase sperm count and motility, as well as promoting increased testes size and weight. So, if you are looking for a masculine boost, eat some dates, because they are a great natural aphrodisiac!

Night Blindness: The benefits of dates are extensive, and are commonly employed to fight off various conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. When the leaves of the date palm are ground into a paste and rubbed on and around the eyes, or when dates are ingested orally, it has been shown to reduce the frequency of night blindness, and this solution is commonly used in rural areas where dates grow as an alternative medicine.

Intoxication: Dates are commonly used as a remedy for alcoholic intoxication. Dates provide quick relief and have a sobering effect in case you feel as though have consumed an uncomfortable amount of alcohol. They can also be used the following morning to prevent severe hangovers. Again, they should be rubbed and soaked overnight for the best results.

Diarrhea: Ripe dates contain potassium, which is known as an effective way of controlling diarrhea. They are also easy to digest, which further helps alleviate the unpredictable nature of chronic diarrhea. The soluble fiber in dates can also help relieve diarrhea, by providing bulk to the bowel movements and promoting normal, healthy functioning of the excretory system.

Abdominal Cancer: Research has pointed towards dates being a legitimate way to reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer. They work as a useful tonic for all age groups, and in some cases, they work better than traditional medicines, and are natural, so they don’t have any negative side effects on the human body. They can be quickly and easily digested for a quick boost of energy.

Although dates carry tremendous nutritional values, great care should be taken in their selection because their surface is very sticky, which often attracts various impurities. Therefore, you should only consume dates that are processed and packaged properly. Also, make sure to wash them thoroughly before you eat them, as this will help remove the impurities present on the surface.

Sources: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-dates.html

Health Benefits of Durian

Health Benefits of Durian

Durian is an exotic and controversial fruit in many parts of Southeast Asia, and is widely celebrated for its long list of health benefits, which include the ability to boost your immune system, prevent cancer and inhibit free radical activity, improve digestion, strengthen bones, improve signs of anemia, cure insomnia, prevent premature aging, lower blood pressure, and protect against cardiovascular diseases. Some of the more minor benefits of durian is its ability to help with diabetes management, reduce inflammation of the joints, help thyroid health, reduce headaches, and lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Durian is often called the “king of fruits” in Southeast Asian nations, but is native to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, and possibly the Philippines, but debates still continue on that point. It is a large fruit, up to 1 foot long and 6 inches wide, with a hard, spiky exterior, with a range of yellow to red flesh. Out of the 30 species varieties, 9 of them are commonly utilized for cooking or consumption, and only one is found internationally, outside of the local growing areas. That species is called Durio zibethinus.

The reason this fruit is often considered controversial is because the smell has a divisive effect on people. Your natural olfactory sense will either find it pleasant or absolutely revolting and nauseating. This has led durian to be banned on public transportation in certain Asian nations, and the avid fans of the health benefits of durian are balanced by those who are repulsed by the sight and smell of this powerful fruit.

Nutritional value of Durian
Most of the health benefits come from durian’s impressive vitamin and mineral content. It contains vitamins such as vitamin-C, folic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6 and vitamin A. Important minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium,  magnesium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus are found in durian. It also contains nutrients such as  phytonutrients, water, protein and  beneficial dietary fats.

Health Benefits of Durian

The health benefits of durian are explained below.

Digestive aid: Durian, like many “meaty” fruits, contain high levels of dietary fiber, which are essential to the normal function of multiple systems in the body, most notably the digestive system. Fiber causes bowel movement to increase in bulk, which makes it easier for them to move through the intestinal tract. Fiber also stimulates peristaltic motion and the secretion of digestive and gastric juices, further easing the entire process. By reducing conditions like constipation and blockage in the intestines, conditions like bloating, excess flatulence, heartburn, cramps, and indigestion can be reduced, as well as serious conditions like colorectal cancer. Much of the fiber in durian is insoluble fiber, which also lowers the frequency of diarrhea for people with loose stool.

Fiber also helps to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood by scraping LDL cholesterol out of the body and quickly removing it before it can do any damage to the cardiovascular system in the form of plaque buildup.

Blood pressure and cardiovascular health: Durian is a rich source of potassium, and since potassium is such an integral part of the salt and fluid balance throughout the cells of the body, potassium levels also dictate blood pressure. When plenty of potassium is present, the blood vessels can relax, reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system, and reducing the chances of developing conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Reduced stress on the veins and arteries also increases oxygenated blood flow to the brain, and studies have shown that potassium levels can therefore help boost cognitive function and memory, reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia!

Anti-aging: In traditional, herbal medicine, durian was often hailed as a tool to battle aging, and was one of the main reasons why people call it the “king of fruits”. It turns out that durian has a wide variety of antioxidant properties stemming from its vitamin and organic chemical makeup that actively reduce the amount of free radicals in the body. Eating an excessive amount of durian can seriously boost your body’s ability to eliminate those free radicals, thereby reducing the chances of premature aging and delaying the appearance of symptoms such as wrinkles, age spots, macular degeneration, hair loss, tooth loosening, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. Eat enough durian, and you can feel, look, and act younger than you have in years!

Insomnia: Durian contains tryptophan, the organic chemical closely associated with falling asleep after Thanksgiving, since it is found in massive doses in turkey.  By adding tryptophan to your diet, it enters your brain, is converted to serotonin, which induces a feeling of relaxation and happiness. The excess serotonin then releases melatonin into the bloodstream, which causes the body to feel tired, and eventually pass out. If you suffer from insomnia, have a few pieces of durian before you try to fall asleep and see the results for yourself!

Sexual dysfunction: A number of studies have recently been conducted to evaluate the potential of durian meat to act as an aphrodisiac. The results are in, and it can produce intensified sexual libido and stamina, and also reduce the chances of infertility in men and women, and increase sperm motility. All in all, it is an aphrodisiac in every sense of the word!

Cancer prevention: As mentioned earlier, durian has a wealth of vitamins, nutrients, and organic chemicals that function as antioxidants. In the battle against cancer, free radicals are vitally important, because during cell metabolism, there are byproducts created, called free radicals. These free radicals can destroy the DNA of regular cells and convert them to cancer cells, which can then metastasize or form fatal, tumorous growths. All of the antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress on the organs of the body are bonuses to the immune system, and durian is packed with them, including vitamin-C, vitamin-B complex, and vitamin E, as well as phytonutrients that battle cancerous cells.

Bone health: Durian is a great source of magnesium, potassium, manganese, and copper, all of which play an integral role in developing and sustaining bone strength and durability. Potassium also increases the efficiency of nutrient uptake by the cells, so it maximizes how many beneficial minerals the body takes in, also benefiting bone health. These essential minerals help to prevent the development of osteoporosis for patients of any age!

Anemia: Durian has many different minerals inside of it, but there are high levels of folic acid within durian as well, which is an essential component in the production of red blood cells. Also, durian is a good source of iron and copper, two other essential components of red blood cells; once RBC production is back to normal, then symptoms of anemia will disappear, which include indigestion, migraines, fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive malfunction.

A few Words of Warning: The only real danger of eating durians is the fat content. It has about 3 times more fat than most other fruits, with the exception of avocado. They are generally healthy fats, but for those people battling weight gain and obesity, other sources for these other health benefits should be sought out instead.

Other than that, enjoy these delicious and slightly stinky fruits and feel the boost to your body!

Sources: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-durian.html

Natural Home Remedies for Sparkling Bright Eyes

Eyes are extremely important to lead a happy life. The inner beauty of a person is shown through the eyes. Sparkling and bright eyes are charming. It is a dream of every person to get rid of eye problems and have a bright pair of eyes. There are some great tips which our grandmothers have been telling us through out the years. The best way to deal with tired or unhealthy eyes is by using the best home remedies available. Lack of sleep is the main reason for tired looking, puffy eyes. Sleep is one of the best ways to have healthy and lovely eyes. In case your work forces you to cut down on your sleep, you can use these home remedies.

Home Remedies for Bright and Sparkling Eyes:

These home remedies will help to relieve tired eyes and eliminate puffiness. They will soothe your eyes from all kinds of pain. You need to be cautious about using any kind of home remedies around the eyes. It is better to check the remedy on your hand first to know the reaction. In case you experience redness or irritation in that particular area, choose a different remedy. Staying outdoors in the hot sun is unwise and acts as poison to the eyes. Your eyes tend to squint due to the bright sun light. Make it a habit of wearing sun glasses when outdoors. The common cause for eye strain is inadequate lighting. People tend to strain their eyes to look through dim light. Let the light fall on the paper or book which you are reading from.
Olive Oil Tea Bag:

Tea bags are the easiest and handy remedy to use. Both green tea and black tea contain bioflavonoinds. Tea bags will help to reduce bacteria and inflammation. Place wet tea bags in the freezer to chill. Apply olive oil with a cotton ball on your eyes, while you chill the tea bags. Remove the tea bags from the freezer after a few minutes. Find a place to relax and place these chilled tea bags on your eyes. Leave them on for ten minutes and wash your face. Dry it and moisturize as usual.

Olive Oil Tea Bags

Cold milk is a great remedy for puffy, tired eyes. If you feel that you are looking tired these days, try this great milk treatment to soothe and relax your eyes. Take a cup full of ice cold milk. Throw in few cotton balls and let them soak for a minute. Lie down in a relaxed position. Place a towel under your head and tightly close your eyes. Place these milk soaked cotton balls on your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash your face and moisturize as usual.

Strawberry:

Strawberries that are stored in the fridge are a treat on a summer day. But most people don’t know that strawberries can cure puffy and tired looking eyes. Strawberries will help your eyes appear brighter and healthy. Remove the tops of a few frozen strawberries and cut them into slices. Place these strawberries under your eyes and let them on for 5 minutes. Wash and moisturize your face after removing them.

Besides removing the swelling strawberries will also make your skin smoother and younger looking. This is because strawberries contain alpha-hydroxy, which is the same ingredient found in many facial expensive creams. So now you can have the same ingredient for a lower cost.

Exercise the Eyes:

You can try some simple eye exercises to relax your eyes. It works better if you can practice these just before going to bed. Take a pen and move it horizontally and vertically in front of your eyes. Try to focus your eyes on the tip of the pen.

Try to avoid staring at the computer screen for too long. However, you are doing it even now which just makes it really obvious that you cannot avoid the computer screen. What you can do instead is to blink often to avoid eyes from drying. Take a break from the computer screen after every 50 to 60 minutes.

Hydrate the eyes

Like cucumber the water content in potatoes helps in reducing the puffiness around the eyes. Potatoes also contain high amount of vitamin C and potassium. The potassium will help to keep all the fluids balanced in the body. The skin will absorb anything put on it. The skin will thus absorb all the essential nutrients. You will have bright and healthy eyes. This remedy will also help to eliminate the dark circles around the eyes.

Potato slices

Store a potato in the fridge over night (2 hours will do the job too). Cut it into thick slices. Close your eyes and rest your head on something comfortable. Place the cold slices on your eyelids. Leave it on for 10 minutes or till the slices become warm. Change the slices if you want a more relaxing effect and leave it on for another 10 minutes. Distract yourself from your eyes. Listen to music and wave a goodbye to your stress.

Rose Water:

Rose water is another effective way to soothe, reduce and heal eye strain. It has a pleasant fragrance that can benefit the skin in many different ways. It firms, tones, hydrates the skin. It also prevents stressed skin, acne, wrinkles and sunburns. Rose water is just wonderful for the eyes. It contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

Take a small bowl with a few teaspoons of cool rose water. Soak two cotton pads in the rose water and place them on your eye lids. Leave it on for 10 minutes. You will have a soothing experience with this home remedy.

Mint Leaves:

This is an age old Indian remedy for bright eyes. Use mint leaves, honey and almond oil together for healing and energizing the eyes. Your eyes will look bright and lovely every day, if you add this remedy to your bed time routine. Take few crushed mint leaves in a small bowl. Add some water and mix it well. Extract the juice and add few drops of almond oil and honey. Place this mixture on your eyes just before going to bed.

Lavender Oil:

Lavender oil is great to relieve for tired and strained eyes. Take ½ liter water in a bowl and add a drop of lavender oil to it. Mix it together and dip two cotton pads into this mixture. Place these cotton pads on your eye lids.

Honey and Cardamom:

The mixture of cardamom and honey will help to strengthen your eyesight. Mix a few seeds of cardamom with a tablespoon of honey. Eat this mixture everyday in the morning.

Turmeric:

Turmeric is a spice with a lot of benefits. With this remedy you will gain brighter eyes in a short period of time. You need to take a big piece of turmeric.  Wash it and soak it in lemon juice. You need to put it in a glass bowl and cover it for a month. After a month, take the turmeric piece and grind with one cup of rose water. Strain out the juice and use them as eye drops. This juice will give you bright and sparkling eyes.

Amla Remedy:

For sparkling eyes soak a teaspoon of dry amla in a cup of water overnight. Strain the juice and add another cup of water. Wash your eyes with this solution every morning. You will notice your eyes sparkling in a few days.
Hydrate Yourself :

Eyes can become puffy when it isn’t properly hydrated. When the body lacks water, it stores any water that it receives; this will cause water retention and swelling. You need to drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Drinking plenty of water is extremely helpful. It flushes out the harmful toxins from your body making your eyes clear and healthy.

Juice Intake:

Try to increase the intake of vitamin A and C. You need to keep it as a daily routine even when your eyes aren’t tired. These vitamins will brighten the whites around the pupil. Make your own fresh juice everyday. Try to make orange juice, carrot juice and lemon juice.

Consume enough proteins like meat, fish and eggs. Also dairy foods will help to maintain healthy eyes. Keep your body hydrated all the time. This will give a bright look to your eyes and will help to reduce eye puffiness. Stay healthy and active all the time. This will benefit you in many different ways. From keeping your body active to losing weight, everything comes with a price tag, a healthy lifestyle. Take care and enjoy a stress free life. Nothing is worth your health.

Sources: http://www.undergroundhealth.com/natural-home-remedies-sparkling-bright-eyes/

Purple potatoes pack serious antioxidants compared to their white-fleshed counterparts

Purple potatoes pack serious antioxidants compared to their white-fleshed counterparts

You may or may not have noticed a new potato in town at your local grocer or more likely at your local health food store. It is native to South America and is called the purple potato, named for its deep purple skin as well as the purple flesh within it. There are several types of the purple potato including the Purple Majesty, Purple Viking and Purple Peruvian varieties.



Purple potatoes are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals purple-potatoes



The rule of thumb with fruits and vegetables is that the deeper and richer the color, the more nutritious the content tends to be. The purple potato is no exception to this rule. It is rich in the antioxidant that is characteristic of deeply colored blue or purple produce called anthocyanin.



This compound is from the powerful flavonoid family of antioxidants and is found in other nutritional powerhouse foods such as blueberries and pomegranates. It is most well-known for its immunity boosting and cancer fighting properties.



Further, this deeply pigmented antioxidant has shown great promise in protecting the integrity and structure of DNA and encouraging the production of cytokines which are vital to proper immune response. It also shows impressive anti-inflammatory properties, helps to protect the health and integrity of the capillaries and strengthen membranes, and may have a role in regulating estrogenic activity which can help lower risk of hormone-related disease.



Study shows purple potatoes aid in lowering blood pressure


A small study that was presented at the American Chemical Society National Meeting in Denver in 2012 found that eating these potatoes lowered the blood pressure of the subjects who consumed them compared to non-consumers. This is likely due to their therapeutic effect on the capillaries and blood vessels as mentioned earlier and the purple potato’s high concentration of another phytochemical called chlorogenic acid which has been linked to lower blood pressure in mice.



Potatoes are typically associated with weight gain and by some as a “forbidden food” due to their high starch content. So to many it was a surprising outcome that consuming six to eight small purple potatoes per day not only lowered the blood pressure of the participants but also caused no weight gain at all.



Is there a flavor or texture compromise for the increased nutrition?



So you may be thinking since the purple potato has so much more nutrition than the standard white potato that there must be some flavor or texture compromise? It turns out that the purple potato tastes remarkably similar to standard white-fleshed potatoes.



It has a slightly nutty flavor and a creamier texture when compared to traditional potatoes. This makes it ideal for baking, mashing, pan frying and doing pretty much anything else that you might do with a standard potato. It can be delicious when blended with various herbs and garlic and makes a great mashed potato dish since it has a creamier texture when cooked.



As with other varieties of potatoes, try to keep the skin on when cooking. Keeping the skin on when cooking helps seal the nutrients and moisture in the potato. In addition, the skin of any potato is rich in fiber and may also contain additional vitamins and minerals. The skin of the purple potato is rich in vitamin C and contains a lot of the polyphenols and potassium that makes it so beneficial.

Sources: http://www.undergroundhealth.com/purple-potatoes-pack-serious-antioxidants-compared-to-their-white-fleshed-counterparts/

The Dangers Of High Blood Pressure

The Dangers Of High Blood Pressure

 

Hypertension is classified as blood pressure greater than 139/89 mm Hg. 

It is now reported that once you are older than 50, a systolic (top number) blood pressure higher than 140 mm Hg is a greater cardiovascular risk factor than diastolic (bottom number) pressure.⁴² As blood pressure increases, cardiovascular disease risk rises rapidly. Beginning at 115/75, risk doubles for each additional 20/10 mm Hg rise. Even among those with normal pressures at age 55, the lifetime risk for developing hypertension is 90%.⁴²

Although the consequences of untreated hypertension take time to develop, they are deadly when they arise and can include coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia.⁴⁵

 

There is now evidence that cardiac disease related to hypertension has its origins early in life.⁴⁵ Arterial stiffening, occurring with age and advancing atherosclerosis, is a major underlying cause of adult hypertension, especially so-called “isolated systolic hypertension,” in which only the systolic (top) number in the measurement is elevated.⁴⁶ Stiff arteries create “back pressure” on the heart, which not only further raises blood pressure, but also puts extreme stress on the heart muscle, leading eventually to heart failure, coronary artery disease, stroke, vascular dementia, and chronic kidney disease.⁴⁶

^{Sources: http://www.lef.org/Magazine/2014/10/Two-Natural-Plant-Extracts-Lower-Blood-Pressure/Page-01} 

 

Celery Seed Extract: A Natural Calcium Channel Blocker

Celery Seed Extract: A Natural Calcium Channel Blocker

Celery is a simple food with a complex chemical makeup. Studies show that celery seed components produce a relaxing, dilating effect that lowers blood pressure. This appears to occur, at least in part, by blocking or antagonizing the flow of calcium into muscle cells lining blood vessels—similar to the action performed by calcium channel blocking drugs.^7,24,25 One key blood pressure-lowering compound in celery seeds has the technical name of L-3-n-butylphthalide, abbreviated as 3nB.^26,27

 

3nB has been used in a number of studies for the management of vascular diseases in the brain, such as stroke and vascular dementia.^26,28,29 And even now, a synthetic form of 3nB is being developed as a drug in China for the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke and mild cognitive impairment as well as for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease—all of which have components of abnormalities in blood flow.^26,30-33

 

Animal and lab studies reveal that 3nB-rich extracts of celery seeds produce blood pressure reductions of up to 38 mm Hg in hypertensive rats (this effect was not seen in those with normal blood pressures).²⁷ Animal studies also demonstrate that celery seed extract has no significant toxic effects even at very high doses.³⁴

 

A human study demonstrating the effectiveness of a celery seed extract standardized to 85% 3nB recently appeared in the Natural Medicine Journal.⁹ For the study, 30 middle-aged patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension took 75 mg doses of a celery seed extract twice daily for six weeks. To obtain an equivalent amount of 3nB, one would have to consume approximately 530 stalks (nearly 50 pounds) of celery. 

Mean blood pressures at baseline were 139.4/85.4 mm Hg. At three weeks, they fell to 134.8/80.9, and at six weeks they fell to 131.2/76.9. This represents total drops of 8.2 mm Hg systolic and 8.5 diastolic from baseline. 

Of great importance, while pharmacological calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors are known to reduce blood flow to the brain—which can leave patients feeling tired, depressed, dizzy, or forgetful—celery seed extracts rich in 3nB appear to improve brain blood flow, prevent stroke, and may protect brain cells and enhance their energy consumption.^9,30,33,35

^{Sources: http://www.lef.org/Magazine/2014/10/Two-Natural-Plant-Extracts-Lower-Blood-Pressure/Page-01} 

Current Treatments For Hypertension

Current Treatments For Hypertension

Numerous recent, large, randomized clinical trials have indicated that treating hypertension in older adults can reduce the risk of kidney disease, stroke, and cardiovascular events.¹⁰ Unfortunately, bringing blood pressure down to healthy levels is easier said than done. Many clinicians start therapy with a mild diuretic (“water pill”) at low doses, then gradually increase doses until either blood pressure is controlled or the maximum dose is reached.¹⁰

 

However, nearly 75% of patients do not get adequate blood pressure control on a single drug, which means a second medication is often necessary.¹¹ This process may continue until a person finds himself or herself on three, four, or more drugs.^2,11,12

 

A frequently prescribed class of antihypertensives used today are the angiotensin II receptor blockers. These drugs block the angiotensin II receptor and often induce more profound and sustained blood pressure control than older classes of medications. However, there are side effect risks associated with angiotensin II receptor blocker drugs. In some individuals, angiotensin II receptor blockers can cause an increase in potassium and changes in kidney function. Also, do not take angiotensin receptor blockers if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant because this class of medication can cause harm to the fetus. 

One of the most commonly used approaches to treating hypertension involves the combination of two drugs: an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker.^2,3 A large 2013 study demonstrated that for most people, this combination was more effective at reducing cardiovascular consequences of hypertension than using either drug with a diuretic.¹³ This combination also demonstrated the greatest probability of reducing death.¹⁴

 

Here’s how the combination drug therapy works. 

Angiotensin converting enzyme, or ACE, is a natural enzyme in the body that activates the hormone angiotensin, which causes blood vessels to constrict, thus increasing blood pressure.¹⁵ Inhibiting ACE can return blood pressure to lower levels. ACE inhibitors alone, however, are not always entirely effective, which is why doctors often combine them with a second drug called a calcium channel blocker.¹⁶

 

Calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure by a different mechanism than ACE inhibitors. They prevent the entry of calcium ions into muscle cells in the arterial wall. Since calcium ions are a major signal telling those cells to contract and raise muscle tone in the artery, blocking calcium influx into the cells will prevent contraction and lower blood pressure.¹⁷

 

Use of the combination of an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker has become one of the mainstays of modern pharmacological blood pressure control, since the two drugs act in parallel, but different ways. Unfortunately, as is usually the case, both drugs bring with them side effects.^17,18

Scientists have discovered two natural ingredients that work in ways similar to mainstream drugs, but without the numerous side effects. Olive leaf extract and celery seed extract act as ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, respectively.^6,7 Each has been shown in clinical studies to lower blood pressure. 

Sources: http://www.lef.org/Magazine/2014/10/Two-Natural-Plant-Extracts-Lower-Blood-Pressure/Page-01