* Hawthorn, according to recent studies, has been proven to have positive effects in treating cardiovascular problems. Hawthorn is rich in glycoside as much as procyanidins, saponins and the tannins compounds. This naturally acts as a vasodilator that consequently promotes the ease of blood flow and protects the vessels and arteries from plaque formation.
*[[Valerian]] may also be effective in alleviating high blood pressure.
*Broccoli : Broccoli is highly rich in vitamin C and K. A cup of broccoli can already provide more than 100 percent of the required daily allowance of a normal person. Broccoli’s benefits to the blood pressure have to do with sulphoraphane, a substance that has anti-inflammatory effects. For those having problems with blood sugar, sulphoraphane helps the blood vessels from being eroded due to increasing blood sugar. Without the inflammatory symptoms in the blood vessels, it can dilate and constrict properly, lowering the chances of developing hypertension. Broccoli also controls the cholesterol level of the body. By lowering the cholesterol, there is lesser accumulation of low-density lipoproteins in the blood vessels that causes the blood vessel to constrict causing increased blood pressure.
*Dandelion : The flower called dandelion is actually being used nowadays as an ingredient of vegetable salad. This plant is rich in vitamins A, B, C and D, as well as minerals potassium, iron and zinc. There are two ways dandelion can lower the blood pressure. First is with its diuretic action. Those with essential hypertension are given initially with diuretic drugs to lower their blood pressure. Other drugs are introduced when blood pressure has already reached higher levels. With dandelion having diuretic action, normalized blood pressure is expected.
*Berries : There are just several types of berries available in the garden, but there are specific berries that can help lower the blood pressure. One of these is the blueberries. A recent research conducted by Harvard University and University of East Anglia showed that the anthocyanin in blueberries, found largely in its skin, can protect from developing hypertension. The research that covers 14 years with 47,000 male participants and 134,999 female participants showed that consumption of different flavonoids has lowered the risk of developing hypertension. All berries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries have anthocyanin, but the richest among them is blueberries.
*Apricots : Apricots are known to be beneficial for the eyes because of its rich vitamin A content. But apricots have other health benefits too. Apricots are rich in fiber and potassium, some of the important substances that control the contraction and dilation of the arterial blood vessels.
*Black Beans : Black beans are a type of legume that is rich in molybdenum, folate, dietary fiber and tryptophan. There is several health benefits brought about by black beans. One of which is its benefit on the cardiovascular system. The soluble fiber content of black beans helps lower the blood cholesterol level of the body. With lowered blood cholesterol, there is decreased accumulation of low-density lipoproteins in the blood vessel lining, thereby lowering the chance of getting blood vessel erosion which eventually leads to increased high blood pressure. Aside from that, it also contains some of the anti-inflammatory flavonoids, which lowers the tendency of the blood vessels to be exposed to oxidative stress, as well as inflammation, which are the reasons for getting high blood pressure.
*Dark Chocolate : People who are suffering from hypertension has reason to rejoice after researchers at the University of Adelaide have found out that eating dark chocolate can actually lower their blood pressure. The reason for this is the flavonols that can help in the elevation of the nitric oxide in the endothelium. With increasing nitric oxide, there is promotion of vasodilation which can lead to lowering of blood pressure. The studies for those with normal blood pressure have conflicting results though. But for those with hypertension, it is time now to grab a bar of your favorite dark chocolate treat.
== Warnings ==