In recent years, obesity-related diseases have become the most common among the Mexican population: diabetes and
hypertension. This is due to a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet, as it is common for people to consume junk food, which is easy and quick to eat.
At kiwilimón, we care about your health, which is why we share the latest medical discoveries that will help you improve your health in a simple way. On this occasion, we tell you about a very recent study, which indicates that adding plenty of spices and
aromatic herbs can help lower blood pressure, great news for people with hypertension!
Spices and aromatic herbs combat hypertension
According to
Penn State University, experts from the institution conducted a study that revealed that “seasoning food with 6.5 grams, or about 1.3 teaspoons, of aromatic herbs and spices per day is associated with lower blood pressure after four weeks.”
You can also read: 5 incredible reasons to eat asparagusIn a press release published by the prestigious university, scientist Penny Kris-Etherton noted that adding “herbs and
spices to your food is a great way to add flavor without adding more sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.” The expert also indicated that “if you go a step further and add these seasonings to foods that are very good for you, such as fruits and vegetables, you are likely to gain even more health benefits.”
This discovery is very important, as
hypertension,
diabetes, and obesity are diseases that prevail in the Mexican population. It could become one of the best ways to cook, as it will teach families that adding an excessive amount of salt to their dishes is not necessary.
During this novel study, scientists had the participation of 71 volunteers who were at risk of heart disease. The participants consumed foods seasoned with spices and aromatic herbs for four weeks, and at the end of the experiment, blood samples showed that those who consumed higher amounts of these natural seasonings reported lower systolic blood pressure than those who ingested a smaller amount of spices.
Although the experts did not mention all the spices and aromatic herbs used in the study, they did reveal some:
- Basil
- Thyme
- Cinnamon
- Turmeric
It is important to clarify that the experts did not ask the participants to reduce sodium intake or increase fruit and vegetable intake; they only asked them to use the spice blend. Therefore, if you also season your meals with natural ingredients while reducing sodium and adding more fiber, the benefits could be even greater.
You can also read: 8 delicious recipes for hypertensivesWhat is hypertension?
According to the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS),
hypertension is a disease that consists of “a measurement of the force exerted against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood to the body,” meaning that it occurs when there is
high blood pressure.
Experts indicate that hypertension can trigger heart disease, heart attacks, kidney failure, and eye disorders. Remember that your blood pressure should be 120/80, but if either of the two numbers is higher, you should consult a health professional.
You can also read: Cooking tips for hypertensivesWhat are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
People with high blood pressure often report the following symptoms:
- Headache
- Swollen ankles
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus
- Chest pain