Super vegetable for high blood pressure

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Extract from the article: While hypertension requires careful medical management, there are non-drug alternatives that can help reduce blood pressure. In addition to stopping smoking and reducing salt consumption, diet can also play a major role. Celery, for example, is one o

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While hypertension requires careful medical management, there are non-drug alternatives that can help reduce blood pressure. In addition to stopping smoking and reducing salt consumption, diet can also play a major role. Celery, for example, is one of the medicinal plants often cited for its therapeutic properties. It improves blood circulation and promotes salt elimination. In all cases, a healthy, balanced diet is highly recommended.

Celery provides calcium, iron, potassium, vitamins A, B and C, and fiber. In naturopathy, it is considered a stomach tonic, a kidney drainer and an endocrine gland stimulant.But it is perhaps its properties for controlling hypertension that are most remarkable. 

Scientific studies conducted in Chicago have confirmed celery's virtues.Researchers administered small quantities of 3-n-butyl phthalide, a complex chemical found in celery, to laboratory animals. After one week, the animals' blood pressure was lowered by an average of 12-14%. The researchers also found that this substance lowered blood levels of catecholamines, hormones linked to stress. Stress is known to increase blood pressure.

The compound 3-n-butylphthalide, or phthalide, contributes to the taste and aroma of this vegetable. As a chemical compound affecting the body, phthalide helps relax the smooth muscles of blood vessel walls, according to « High Blood Pressure Info ».

A natural diuretic

Blood pressure falls as blood vessels dilate, allowing blood to flow more easily and freely. Celery has been shown to significantly reduce bad cholesterol. The important minerals in this magical juice effectively balance blood pH, neutralizing acidity.

The potassium and sodium in celery juice help regulate body fluids and stimulate urine production, making it an important aid in ridding the body of excess fluid. The diuretic effect of celery juice also facilitates the breakdown and elimination of bladder and bile stones. The alkalizing minerals in celery juice have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it a wonderful drink for insomniacs.

Phthalide also helps reduce catecholamine production, according to a study by William J. Elliot, Clinical Pharmacologist, and T. Le Quang, medical student, published in « High Blood Pressure Info ». Catecholamines are the « fight or flight » hormones that the adrenal glands produce during stressful events.They can contribute to high blood pressure. Stress hormones such as catecholamines can constrict blood vessels and restrict the free flow of blood, increasing the amount of pressure needed by the heart to pump blood throughout the body.Phthalide blocks the action of tyrosine hydroxylase enzymes, which produce stress hormones and contribute to high blood pressure, according to « High Blood Pressure Info ».

Recipe 1: 2 stalks celery, 5 medium carrots, 1 slice freshly peeled ginger. Peel the carrots and cut into thin slices. Do the same with the celery. Add them, along with the ginger, to the blender. Blend until creamy. You can also add water and a tablespoon of honey. Consume after breakfast for 1 week.

Recipe 2: 1 stalk leafless celery, 1 apple, 4 carrots, juice of half a lemon.Wash ingredients well and peel.Then cut them into several slices.Place them in the blender and blend well.Use once a day for 1 week.

To be effective, drink these juices for a week, then stop for three weeks and start again.

William O.