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atural support for Hypertension (Part 2)
Last week we saw that one of the main reasons people develop hypertension is the slow deterioration of the collagen in the walls of their blood vessels. Collagen fibres are naturally cross linked, like strands of rope, to provide strength but free radical oxidation results in excessive cross linking thus hardening blood vessels making the heart pump harder to circulate blood.
We also know that genetic factors, lack of exercise and being overweight all increase the chance of hypertension but ultimately blood pressure is an indicator of the health of our blood vessels.
OPC is great for collagen
Fortunately there are several antioxidants, including oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) found in grape seeds, some bioflavonoids especially hesperidin, and vitamin C that attach to collagen and can help restore suppleness to blood vessel walls resulting in decreases in blood pressure. OPC works with vitamin C to form new collagen while protecting existing collagen from free radical damage.
OPC study
A study conducted at UC Davis (2006) supported the idea that grape seed extract can help with hypertension. The participants were divided into three groups. The first group received a placebo, while the second and third groups received 150 milligrams and 300 milligrams, respectively, of grape seed extract. All participants’ blood pressure was automatically measured and recorded for 12 hours after ingestion.
“Participants in the two groups receiving grape seed extract experienced an equal degree of reduced blood pressure. The average drop in systolic pressure was 12 millimeters. The average drop in diastolic pressure was 8 millimeters,” said the study’s lead researcher, C. Kappagoda, Professor of Cardiovascular medicine. Kappagoda adds that the group taking 300 milligrams of grape seed extract also had reduced oxidized LDL cholesterol levels.
Abundant Health supplements with OPC
Each Cell-X has 50mg of OPC while Acai Plus and OPC Plus have 100mg and 125mg respectively. My Curcumin 95 has 100mg. There is also 120mg in MTQ10. Contact me for the best combination for you.
The humble Beetroot
Our diet can also have a positive effect on blood pressure. Some foods especially beetroot are high in nitrates which can have a profound effect on blood pressure. Nitrates (not to be confused with damaging nitrites used as meat preservatives) temporarily dilate blood vessels allowing for better circulation. Technically nitrates convert to nitric oxide a known vasodilator.
There have been numerous studies on Beetroot lowering blood pressure. Here is an easy to read article at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288229.php
There are lots of ways you can get enough beetroot to help lower blood pressure. Most of the studies are on fresh beetroot juice. You can make this yourself or buy it online. We now stock organic dried beetroot powder which is really convenient and has great results. You can see this at https://www.abundant.co.nz/products/beetroot-powder/
I have also created a Hypertension and Pro-Circulation Bullet recipe. This combines beetroot with other foods all known to have a positive effect on BP. Email me directly at john@abundant.co.nz to get a copy.
Magnesium
Like nitrates, Magnesium can also help relax blood vessels. It does this by relaxing the type of muscle (smooth muscle) in our blood vessels. While separate Magnesium supplementation can really help I like to add my Cell-X to provide other minerals, especially calcium and potassium needed for healthy blood vessels.
From there we then add a moderate dose (2 capsules daily) of our Rapid Absorption Magnesium formula. Adding Cell-X also provides the OPC’s and other antioxidants needed for healthy blood vessels. Feel free to contact me if you would like a complimentary nutrition programme to help manage hypertension.
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559. You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.
Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2019 |
