We know that many factors can influence blood pressure levels, including diet, exercise, and stress levels. We also know that maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is key to maintaining health; allowing blood pressure to remain high long-term can cause serious downstream health problems.
While diet can be a powerful modality, how we season our food can also provide benefits for our blood pressure levels; many herbs and spices pack a medicinal punch that can help support healthy blood pressure levels and overall health.
Many of these herbs and spices contain powerful, anti-fungal nutrients as well, and can be an important part of an anti-fungal program. While you can find many of these in supplemental or concentrated form, it is also encouraged to include them generously in your food.
Of course, if you have preexisting medical conditions or take any kind of medications, it is always necessary to talk to your doctor before beginning any type of supplement or changing your diet.
Here are some herbs and spices which are known to contain compounds which will help support healthy blood pressure levels:
Basil
Basil contains compounds like eugenol, which may help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Adding fresh basil to your meals or infusing it into teas can provide these potential benefits.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to improve blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, which can indirectly contribute to better blood pressure control. Incorporating cinnamon into your diet by sprinkling it on oatmeal, yogurt, or adding it to beverages may offer cardiovascular benefits.
Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve blood circulation, which can aid in regulating blood pressure. Adding fresh ginger to meals, brewing ginger tea, or using it in smoothies are ways to incorporate this beneficial spice into your diet.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies suggest that curcumin may help lower blood pressure by improving endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress. Adding turmeric to curries, soups, or smoothies can provide these potential health benefits.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea has been studied for its potential effects on blood pressure, with research indicating that it may help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Drinking hibiscus tea regularly may contribute to better cardiovascular health.
Cardamom
Cardamom is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have blood pressure-lowering effects in animal studies. While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, incorporating cardamom into your cooking or beverages can add flavor and potential health benefits.
Rosemary
Rosemary contains compounds like rosmarinic acid, which may help lower blood pressure by improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation. Using fresh rosemary to flavor dishes or brewing rosemary tea can provide these potential cardiovascular benefits.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound that may help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure levels. Incorporating cayenne pepper into your diet by adding it to spicy dishes or using it as a seasoning may offer cardiovascular benefits.
Oregano
Oregano is rich in antioxidants and contains compounds like carvacrol, which have been shown to have potential blood pressure-lowering effects. Using fresh or dried oregano to season meals can provide flavor and potential health benefits.
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