Does turmeric lower blood pressure? This question has been the focus of many research studies, since turmeric contains the antioxidant agent known as curcumin.
Found in the roots of the turmeric plant, curcumin is a chemical compound and herbal remedy that has been used for centuries in Asian cultures.
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How Turmeric Could Potentially Control Blood Pressure
1. Relaxes the blood vessels The curcumin in turmeric has been shown in clinical trials to help prevent narrowing of blood vessels, which can increase the blood pressure. This effect is seen with the use of isolated turmerone as well as the turmeric oil fraction. Studies show that curcumin can actually cause vasorelaxation, during which tension within the walls of blood vessels is released. This action allows for a smoother circulation flow, reducing blood pressure.
2. Regulates the renin-angiotensin system One of the reported benefits of turmeric includes regulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which controls blood pressure and fluid levels. As blood pressure rises, the renin-angiotensin system works to balance fluid levels in the body.
Renin is an enzyme released by the kidneys that causes blood pressure to rise as its levels rise. Blood flow to the kidneys is reduced by constriction of the blood vessels. A study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that curcumin lowered the blood pressure of mice with angiotensin II-induced hypertension.
3. Replenishes Glutathione Antioxidant Glutathione is known as the «mother of antioxidants» as it is an immune booster and detoxifier produced naturally in the body. A combination of the amino acids cysteine, glutamine, and glycine, this antioxidant can be reduced by certain medications, toxins, extreme stress, and poor eating habits. Turmeric helps to restore the levels of glutathionewhich in turn can control blood pressure, as well as prevent cell damage and other essential functions.
4. Reduces oxidative stress induced by hypertension It has been suggested that high blood pressure is caused by oxidative stress, which can cause problems with the structure of blood vessels. The curcumin in turmeric can help decrease any inflammation and prevent blood vessels from narrowing.
Oxidative stress occurs when the amount of damaging free radicals circulating in the body is greater than the level of antioxidants required to neutralize these negative agents.
The oxidative stress induced by hypertension can cause the narrowing and thickening of the walls and cells of the blood vessels. The decrease in the vascular channels can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
5. Improves Age-Related Arterial Dysfunction The curcumin in turmeric has been shown in clinical studies to treat high blood pressure caused by age-related arterial dysfunction. Hardening of the arteries and low oxygen levels can lead to cardiovascular disease over time. The antioxidants found in turmeric can stabilize oxidative stress and help with arterial dysfunction.
6. Increases Nitric Oxide Levels Turmeric is believed to help increase levels of Nitric oxide. This molecule is essential for blood circulation, as it encourages the walls of blood vessels to expand. This allows for an increase in blood flow, which in turn lowers high blood pressure. Nitric oxide may also help prevent oxidative stress and inflammation that causes increased blood pressure by controlling the inner lining of blood vessels, known as the endothelium.
7. Reduces blood cholesterol Of the few research studies in human patients that focus on the use of turmeric to lower cholesterol levels, most have reported a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol. High LDL levels can block and damage arteries. The curcumin in turmeric has been shown to suppress genes that support LDL and prevent LDL oxidation. This type of cholesterol leads to arteriosclerosiswhich is hardening of the arteries.
8. Keeps the body warm Turmeric is known as an active warming spice that increases core body temperature producing a drying effect. This occurs when the astringent tannins in turmeric compress the tissues, absorbing all the excess water.
As the internal temperature rises, the blood circulation flows smoothly, lowering the pressure of the blood against the arteries. High blood pressure is often seen when the internal and external temperatures are very low.
9. Alleviates High Blood Pressure Risk Factors The curcumin in turmeric acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Although high blood pressure does not have a direct cause, there are risk factors that can lead to this state. A form of high blood pressure caused by an existing health problem is known as secondary hypertension.
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The correct dose of turmeric to reduce blood pressure
How much turmeric should you take for its blood pressure lowering effects? It is important to understand that the curcumin content in turmeric has a high absorption rate, and the digestive system may not be able to easily break down the substance.
To help combat the effects of curcumin dosing, combine the herb with extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or fish oil. There are also phytosome complex curcumin supplements that are designed to break down easily in the body.
As the degree of high blood pressure can vary for each individual, there is no universal dosage of turmeric.
For natural turmeric remedies, use the following guide. A word of warning: Turmeric should only be taken with or after meals.
Fresh Turmeric Roots: use one to three grams, or a half-inch piece, chopped or thinly sliced. A fresh turmeric root can also be used in a juicer with a pinch of black pepper.
Turmeric powder: Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a daily meal. The combination of one to two grams of turmeric powder and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper twice a day is another option for direct consumption.
golden paste: creates a paste to increase the rate of curcumin absorption with the use of heat. Add half a cup of turmeric powder to a cup of water in a pot. Heat the mixture until it forms a thick paste. Add one and a half teaspoons of black pepper ground and 70 milliliters of coconut oil or cold-pressed olive oil. Cool and use a quarter to a half teaspoon for the first dose. Then increase the dose by a quarter teaspoon each week until one to two teaspoons are tolerated two to three times a day.
Turmeric tincture: use 10 to 30 drops of turmeric tincture two to three times a day. Add the tincture to juice, smoothies, and teas.
Turmeric tea: Reported benefits of turmeric tea include improvement of symptoms of arthritis, cancer, and prevention of Alzheimer disease, lower cholesterol and a boosted immune system. Add one teaspoon of turmeric to four cups of boiling water. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain before drinking. Consume one or two cups daily.
Turmeric milk: heat a piece of turmeric that measures half an inch or an inch for 15 minutes with eight ounces of milk. Remove from heat once the milk starts to boil and strain to remove the turmeric. Cool and consume one or two cups daily.
Turmeric Supplements: Take two to three doses of 300 to 400 milligrams per day.
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