In today's fast-paced world, erratic schedules, chronic stress, and a diet high in junk and packaged foods are taking a severe toll on public health. A frequently overlooked consequence of this modern lifestyle is hypertension or high blood pressure. Addressing this widespread concern, a leading wellness expert has shared two remarkably simple yet potent homemade recipes designed to combat this condition naturally.
Power-Packed Amla and Ajwain Concoction
Dr. Hansa Yogendra of the renowned The Yoga Institute demonstrated this easy-to-make drink in a recent YouTube video. The recipe requires fresh, whole amla (Indian gooseberry), carom seeds (ajwain), turmeric, honey, and warm water.
To prepare it, extract the juice from one fresh amla. To this juice, add one teaspoon of crushed ajwain and one teaspoon of spiced turmeric. Mix these ingredients thoroughly before adding one cup of warm water. Finally, stir in a spoon of honey for taste. Dr. Hansa recommends consuming one cup of this drink early in the morning on an empty stomach and another in the evening to experience noticeable benefits.
Why This Drink Works for Hypertension
Explaining the science, Dr. Hansa highlights that in Ayurveda, ajwain is traditionally used to lower blood pressure. Its active component acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, preventing excess calcium from entering blood vessel walls and thereby promoting relaxation and dilation of the vessels.
Amla, on the other hand, is a powerhouse ingredient proven effective against hypertension. It is exceptionally rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, antioxidants known to support vascular health by helping to widen blood vessels and naturally reduce pressure on arterial walls.
This combination is backed by research. Studies confirm that amla's antioxidants aid in reducing blood pressure, while ajwain's calcium-channel blocking effect plays a notable role in regulating heart rate and blood pressure levels.
Healing Broccoli and Bell Pepper Soup
The second recipe is a nutritious vegetable soup perfect for the evening. You will need red and yellow bell pepper, green capsicum, carrot, tomato, broccoli florets, grated garlic cloves, and olive oil.
Begin by sautéing the chopped bell peppers, capsicum, broccoli, carrots, and tomato in a pan until they soften. Then, grind these cooked vegetables into a smooth puree. In another vessel, heat olive oil and sauté broccoli and garlic. Add the vegetable puree to this, cook for a few minutes, and serve hot.
The Blood Pressure-Regulating Benefits
Dr. Hansa suggests this soup for evening consumption. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which helps control hypertension. They also possess anticoagulant properties that can prevent blood clot formation, reducing heart attack risk.
Broccoli contributes three key minerals: magnesium, calcium, and potassium, all of which aid in regulating blood pressure. Furthermore, extra virgin olive oil contains beneficial phenolic compounds like hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, which studies indicate can help reduce diastolic blood pressure.
Scientific evidence supports these claims. The fiber in broccoli binds to bile acids, helping lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Antioxidants like sulforaphane in broccoli reduce inflammation, a major risk factor for heart disease. Research also shows that high-glucoraphanin broccoli can significantly reduce plasma LDL-C, and compounds in red pepper can lower blood pressure through specific physiological pathways.
Disclaimer: The information presented here is for general knowledge purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is crucial to consult with your doctor before initiating any new health regimen or dietary change, especially for a condition like hypertension.
