Grape Seed Resveratrol and Pomegranate Significantly Lower Blood Pressure

Adults aged 55 and older face a lifetime risk of developing elevated blood pressure greater than 90%, accounting for more than 40 million doctor visits each year and taxing an already overburdened healthcare system. Uncontrolled blood pressure slowly degrades the vascular system throughout the body and takes a particular toll on the kidneys, eyes and delicate arteries around the heart and in the brain.

Small increases in blood pressure place an individual at dramatically increased risk from heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and blindness. Researchers focusing on the antioxidant capacity of grape seed, resveratrol and pomegranate found that regular consumption of these foods can effectively reduce blood pressure without the need for dangerous prescription drugs.

Natural Fruit Polyphenols Lower Cellular Stress and Blood Pressure

Oxidative stress is a significant factor leading to accelerated damage from hypertension. Excess stress prompts changes to the hormone angiotensin that is known to impact blood pressure through an intricate mechanism of vessel and arterial constriction. Natural agents that can lower dangerous levels of cellular oxidative stress are considered paramount to lowering blood pressure in susceptible individuals.

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme)-inhibitors are among the most popular prescription medications prescribed to negate the effect of the angiotensin hormone, and create a life of misery for many due to the myriad of side effects inherent with this class of drug. Recent research shows that artificially lowering blood pressure with drugs has virtually no effect on cardiovascular disease risk, compared to lowering readings with natural fruit polyphenols, diet and physical activity.

Study Shows That Grape Seed Extract and Resveratrol Can Effectively Lower Blood Pressure

Writing in the journal Metabolism, nutritional scientists compared the effect of grape seed extract and resveratrol on subjects with metabolic syndrome. Three groups were divided to receive either grape seed extract (GSE) at a dose of 150 mg per day, GSE at 300 mg per day or a placebo. After 4 weeks, both GSE supplemented groups experienced systolic blood pressure drops of 5 to 7 percent. This change was considered significant as no other dietary or lifestyle interventions were followed. Researchers believe that GSE and grape-derived compounds including resveratrol can be used to prevent and treat hypertension based on the potent antioxidant load delivered by the fruit extracts.

Pomegranates effectively lower blower blood pressure in a manner similar to GSE and resveratrol as the juice and extracts contain powerful polyphenols that counteract oxidative stress. This magical fruit also is found to lower circulating levels of the angiotensin hormone that can help blood vessels to relax. The result of a study published in the journal Atherosclerosis demonstrated that consumption of pomegranate juice (50 ml per day for 2 weeks) lowered ACE activity by 36%, leading to a 5% drop in systolic blood pressure.

It should come as no surprise to those following a natural health lifestyle that the key to controlling blood pressure and reducing the risk factors that promote cardiovascular disease are not found in a prescription bottle. Fruits such as the pomegranate and formulated natural extracts from red grape skins and seeds deliver powerful health benefits without any of the associated side effects of synthesized pharmaceuticals.

CoQ10 Can Lower High Blood Pressure to Prevent Congestive Heart Failure

Reporting in the journal Biofactors, researchers found that patients with congestive heart failure that were supplemented with the active form of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) improved ejection fraction by 39%. Ejection fraction is a critical marker of heart function used to determine the volume of blood pumped by the heart through the vascular system.

CoQ10 is essential to convert nutrients to energy and power the cellular engine, and natural production in the body declines with age. Extensive research explains how you can benefit from daily supplementation with this powerful co-enzyme to restore healthy energy balance and prevent age-related heart disease.

CoQ10 Improves Quality of Life for Heart Failure Patients

The study conducted at the East Texas Medical Center and Trinity Mother Francis Hospital focused on patients with advanced congestive heart failure that were classified as Stage IV, the most severe form of the disease. Patients were supplemented with 580 mg of the ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 daily to increase plasma blood levels by a factor of four.

The researchers found “the improvement in plasma CoQ10 levels is correlated with both clinical improvement and improvement in measurement of left ventricular function.” Prior to CoQ10 supplementation, most of the participants were considered critically ill and confined to bed or a wheel chair. After a regimen of ubiquinol, patients typically improved two classification levels (Stage IV to II or III to I) and were able to carry on a productive lifestyle.

CoQ10 Improves Blood Vessel Elasticity to Lower Blood Pressure

Hypertension is a serious problem that affects as many as one in three adults in the US today. High blood pressure is closely associated with coronary artery closure due to plaque formation and arterial stiffening as the normally elastic vessels require more pressure to fully circulate blood to the body. The result of a study published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism found that coenzyme Q10 supplemented along with other potent antioxidant nutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium) significantly increased small and large arterial elasticity that led to lower blood pressure and risk of a heart attack.

Subjects in this study received 60 mg of CoQ10 for a period of six months along with moderate amounts of the other nutrients. In addition to improved arterial elasticity, researchers found a significant decline in HbA1C blood sugar control and an increase in protective HDL cholesterol levels. The authors of the research concluded that the CoQ10 nutrient antioxidant cocktail “has beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure and arterial compliance in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.”

It comes as no surprise to most alternative health-minded individuals that nutrients obtained from natural sources exert a powerful influence on human health. Adults will want to supplement with 50 to 100 mg per day (higher amounts may be necessary for existing cardiovascular disease) of the ubiquinol form of co-enzyme Q10 to maintain optimal health, energy and protection from age-related diseases of the heart.

Curcumin Garlic and Green Tea Lower Risk of Chronic Disease

(Article first published as Powerful Nutrient Trio Protects the Brain and Heart on Technorati.)

Humans have relied on natural extracts and powerful nutrients to prevent disease and maintain health for countless generations. The typical diet consists mostly of foods that have been heavily processed so that most of the vitamins and minerals we need to sustain optimal health have been eliminated. 

Estimates are that only 1 in 20 people consumes the minimum daily recommendation of 5 servings of vegetables and fruits. Most individuals are theore deficient in a wide array of phytonutrients supplied by fresh produce that are essential for disease prevention. You can improve your health by adding these natural nutrients to your diet or supplemental arsenal.

Curcumin Shown to Protect the Brain and Liver

Curcumin is the active component of the Indian spice, tumeric that gives curry its deep yellow color. This potent antiviral is known to provide critical protection to the brain as it can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Researchers have shown that the spice extract can effectively inhibit the formation of brain plaque that is associated with Alzheimer`s disease and other neurological disorders such as Parkinsons.

New research published in the journal Endocrinology confirms how curcumin can help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver. Fatty liver disease is a potentially fatal affliction that worsens with excess body weight and obesity. The liver is our primary organ responsible for filtering toxins from the blood as well as hundreds of other important metabolic functions within our body. Any natural nutrient that can help keep fat from clogging the normal activity of our liver is critical to our health.

Garlic Dramatically Lowers Risk from Many Cancer Lines

Sulfur is the active compound that makes garlic difficult for many to eat raw and also contributes to its long list of health benefits. Our body uses the breakdown of sulfur to power a process known as methylation. Through this chain of chemical reactions our body is able to perform many critical functions that promote healthy immune response and clear waste products from our cells.

The result of a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrates that a diet including garlic (and onions) was inversely related to the risk of many forms of cancer. Pancreatic cancer risk was lowered by 54%, prostate cancer by 51% and colon cancer rates were cut in half. Researchers believe that an improved immune response is behind the cancer fighting ability associated with garlic.

Green Tea in the Fight Against Obesity and Heart Disease

The catechins in green tea (EGCG) have been known for their ability to fight diseases ranging from cancer to dementia and heart disease. Extensive research has shown that EGCG can effectively inhibit the blood supply required for the development and proliferation of cancer cells. Risk for developing deadly lung cancer was reduced by 66% in participants taking a concentrated form of green tea extract.

Green tea is also a powerful tool in the fight against heart disease. Information published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition explains how EGCG increases the oxidation of fat by boosting metabolism. This action assists in weight loss by increasing base metabolic rate. Green tea also lowers the risk of coronary artery disease by limiting oxidized LDL cholesterol that causes arterial plaque.

Natural antiviral nutrients are vital to our health. Those interested in lowering their risk of cancer, heart disease, dementia and liver dysfunction should be certain to include these powerful compounds through diet or supplementation.

Increasing Muscle Mass May Improve Insulin Resistance And Lower Risk For Diabetes

Is it possible to improve insulin sensitivity and stave off a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes by increasing muscle mass?

Yes, according to this study:

Relative Muscle Mass Is Inversely Associated With Insulin Resistance And Prediabetes. Findings From The Third National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, September, 2011

Analysis of data from 13,644 participants of NHANES III revealed:

In people with diabetes, each 10% increase in skeletal muscle index (SMI: the ratio of total skeletal muscle mass, estimated by bioelectrical impedance, to total body weight) was associated with:

• 11% reduction in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
  
• 12% reduction in prediabetes prevalence

Reductions were higher in people without diabetes.

Study author Dr. Preethi Srikanthan, an assistant professor of medicine in the division of endocrinology at UCLA, said in a press release:

"Our findings suggest that beyond focusing on losing weight to improve metabolic health, there may be a role for maintaining fitness and building muscle mass. This is a welcome message for many overweight patients who experience difficulty in achieving weight loss, as any effort to get moving and keep fit should be seen as laudable and contributing to metabolic change."

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Kiwi Lower Hypertension

Kiwi Lower Hypertension - Although in general, high blood pressure or hypertension had no symptoms. However, this condition does not mean harmless. If not treated, high blood pressure overload can damage many organs and tissues.

One effort to reduce high blood pressure is to eat a varied diet with a combination of proper nutrition. The results presented in the meeting of the American Heart Association in Orlando, United States, consumption of kiwi is mentioned three times in a day is quite effective in lowering hypertension.

Research conducted by Mette Svendsen of the University Hospital Oslo, Norway, for 8 weeks to 118 people aged 55 years and suffering from hypertension were.

The respondents were divided into two groups, one which is eating three kiwi fruit per day and the rest are eating foods that contain apple once a day.

After 8 weeks, the researchers found a value of systolic pressure (the upper blood pressure number) of participants is lower than 3.6 millimeters with participants who consumed apples.

Although kiwi eaters have lower blood pressure, but researchers do not yet know whether the main cause. This can only be confirmed with more extensive research.

Naturally Lower Your Cholesterol Through The Food You Eat

Cholesterol is measured in three ways, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Cholesterol is determined by a couple of different factors genetics, diet and exercise. One’s diet is the easiest factor to control. However, peoples eating habits have declined over the years and diets are filled with highly processed, high fat, and high sugar foods. This raises the bodies LDL bad cholesterol and lowers the HDL good cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol levels are bad because it raises blood pressure, increases plaque build up in arteries and increases the risk for heart disease and heart attack. Lowering your bad cholesterol should be a major concern and by eating these foods you can start reducing your LDL levels today. Remember to eat a variety of these foods on a daily basis to get the maximum cholesterol lowering effects.

1. Oats/Oatmeal- Oats are part of the whole grain group of food and should be consumed on a daily basis. Oats are one of the best sources of soluble fiber. It is recommended to consume 20-35 grams of fiber a day, with 5-10 grams being soluble fiber. Due to the switch to highly processed flour and refined grains, which are cheaper and easier to produce, Americans are taking in less fiber and our cholesterols are rising because of it. Soluble fiber is important in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) also known as bad cholesterol. Soluble fiber works by reducing both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. So eat a bowl of oatmeal or cold oat based cereal to boost your fiber intake and lower your cholesterol. Also include oat bran, barley and other whole grains n your diet to reduce your risk for heart disease.

2. Beans- Beans are another source of valuable soluble fiber. Therefore eating 1/2 cup of beans a day can reduce your cholesterol. Additionally beans fill you up and take a long time to be digested by the body. This is why beans are a perfect food to lower cholesterol. Plus there are so many different choices of beans such as navy, kidney, pinto, lentils, garbanzos, black eye peas, etc.

3. Nuts- Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and some pine nuts are great for lowering LDL cholesterol and raising good HDL cholesterol. Nuts are rich in unsaturated fats, which keep the blood vessel to the heart healthy. These fats make LDL cholesterol unable to oxidize therefore reducing the plaque build up in arteries, which can cut off blood flow to the heart. By reducing plaque build up you reduce your risk for heart disease. Nuts are high in calories so limit your intake to about a handful or 1.5 ounces a day and avoid salted or sugar coated nuts.

4. Olive oil- Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, which lower LDL cholesterol. Olive oil is also rich in phenolics, a plant substance that makes blood less likely to clot. Because olive oil is high in calories, limit your intake to 2 tablespoons a day. To reap all the heart health benefits of olive oil use it in place of butter, lard, or shortening. To get even better cholesterol lowering effect use extra virgin olive oil because the oil is less processed and contains more antioxidants. Other vegetable oils such as canola, sunflower and safflower oil also provide cholesterol-lowering benefits to the body.

5. Fish-Fish, especially fatty fish are a heart healthy addition to ones diet. Fatty fish have high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, which reduce blood pressure, and development of blood clots. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce triglycerides in the bloodstream, which lowers LDL cholesterol and keeps blood vessels clear and healthy. Fish should be consumed at least 2 times a week. Examples of fatty fishes include salmon, halibut, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, and albacore tuna. The best way to consume fish is by baking or grilling it. Omega 3’s and fish oils are available in supplementation, however fresh fish have additional nutrients such as selenium that you will miss out on when taking the pills.

6. Fruit- Fruit is a great food for a healthy body. In addition to their vitamins they are low in calories and should consume 4-6 servings of a day. Fruits such as apples, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits are rich in pectin a soluble fiber that helps to lower cholesterol. Blueberries have been called a super food because of its nutritional benefits to the body. Blueberries lower LDL cholesterol in the blood, which reduces plaque build up in the arteries. Blueberries help support liver function by removing cholesterol from the system more quickly. Avocadoes are also a heart healthy fruit, full of monounsaturated fats. Avocadoes lower LDL cholesterol and remove triglycerides from the blood stream. Avocadoes are high in calories so limit your intake to a few slices per serving.

7. Vegetables- Vegetables are very healthy for the body as a whole. They are full of vitamins and minerals are very low in calories and you should consume 6-8 servings of vegetables a day. Tomatoes are full of lycopene, which inhibit LDL production. Lycopene lowers LDL cholesterol and breaks down artery clogging plaque. Asparagus, beets, okra, carrots, eggplant, green beans, and cauliflower also help to lower cholesterol. When these vegetables are served steamed it improves their cholesterol fighting abilities. Steaming these vegetables helps to bind bile acids, therefore the liver requires more LDL cholesterol to make bile, further lowering LDL cholesterol.

Authors Resource Box

Sarah Labdar graduated with a BA in exercise science and has worked in the medical field since. Her focus is alternative medicine and how it interacts and works in conjunction with traditional medicine.

http://www.universalhealthinfo.com/Foods_for_Cholesterol.html
Article source :  Naturally Lower Your Cholesterol Through The Food You Eat