Chillies to Combat Hypertension and High Blood Pressure

What is hypertension?

Preventing arterial hypertension

Chillies to combat arterial hypertension

Capsaicin

What is hypertension?

Arterial hypertension is one of the most common diseases in industrialized nations.

More than 10 million people suffer from this disease, half of which are unaware of their condition. Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated, forcing the heart and other organs to have to work harder and reducing their efficiency.

As most probably no, it is the number one preventable risk factor for death in the world and can cause:

Ischemia;

Ictus;

Cardiovascular disease;

Pulmonary embolism;

Real chronic disease;

High blood pressure is in most cases caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking which can be countered by changing one’s habits. In some cases, however, it is necessary to see a professional before the situation gets worse. 

Preventing arterial hypertension

As already stated, most cases of arterial hypertension are caused by unhealthy habits. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a set of guidelines for treating arterial hypertension with instructions for non-pharmacological interventions for those who don’t show other risk factors. 

Monitor body weight:

Limit alcohol consumption;

Avoid smoking;

Limit stressful conditions;

Reduce the consumption of salt and animal fats (they contain cholesterol);

Follow a diet rich in magnesium and potassium (grains, fruit, vegetables...)

Exercise regularly;

Chillies to combat arterial hypertension

According to urologist and andrologist Aldo Franco De Rose, adding chillies to your diet is a convenient and effective natural remedy.

Chillies lower pressure in the arteries and are therefore beneficial to the heart. Being a super powerful aphrodisiac, not only are they able to spice up your life, but are particularly helpful for feeling healthier thanks to their already well-known digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Capsaicin

The effects of this substance have been verified on test subjects, who were fed a diet rich in capsaicin. This compound is able to activate a receptive channel that is found in the lining of blood vessels, leading to an increase in the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that can protect blood vessels from inflammation and dysfunction. Furthermore, it is able to reduce cancerous tumor cells, triggering the apoptosis process which leads the cells to autodestruct. 

Every case is different, so if you are experiencing problems, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. 

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