As effective as hypotensive drugs.
17 million French people would be hypertensive, and half would ignore it. In addition to medicines, several plants and drinks can help lower tension in a gentle and natural way. One of them has shown significant hypotensive effects in just a few weeks, suggest American researchers from the University of Boston in a prestigious study Journal of Nutrition.
Scientists followed 65 adults aged between 30 and 70 years prehypertend (the stage before hypertension) or slightly hypertensive, which were not yet treated with medication. For 6 weeks, half of the participants had to drink three cups of this drink every day while the other half had a so -called “placebo” drink. At the end of the test, the systolic blood pressure (the “high number”) of the first group dropped by 7 mmHg, against 1 mmHg in the control group. In those who left with an even higher tension (greater than 129), the drop in systolic pressure reached up to 13 mmHg, an improvement sometimes comparable to that obtained with certain light drug treatments, can be read in the study. For information, diastolic pressure (“low figure”) has not experienced a significant drop in relation to placebo.
The drink highlighted by the researchers is the infusion of hibiscus, a plant rich in antioxidants (especially anthocyanins, which give it its beautiful red color) to diuretic and vasodilators. “”This double action makes it possible to reduce blood volume and relax the vessels, thus contributing to a drop in blood pressure “, Confirms Dr. Mathilde Leroux, cardiologist at the Limoges University Hospital. Regarding the quantity, the researchers observed hypotensive effects from 3 cups of 240 ml each (ie 720 ml) per day, with a preference in the morning, before 10am. It is very easily found in trade (in supermarkets, organic stores, in oriental or African grocery stores often under the name “bissap” or “carcadet”). Otherwise can be prepared by counting about 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried flowers for 500 ml of water, to infuse 10 minutes, filter and drink hot or cold.
This study is added to those that have already demonstrated the effects of hibiscus against hypertension, especially light to moderate. In the event of taking medication for tension, researchers indicate that it is better to talk to your doctor to avoid any risk of drug interaction.
