Hypertension: This Spice Can Help You Control High Blood Pressure Easily And Effectively

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition that can silently increase the risk of several diseases, especially heart failure. Many factors including poor diet and lifestyle can increase your blood pressure. However, some simple and healthy modifications can help control high blood pressure numbers as well as promote your overall health. A healthy diet combined with regular exercise can help you fight hypertension.

Diet plays a major role in maintaining blood pressure. Some foods and drinks have properties and nutrients that leave a positive impact on your bp. One such ingredient is black pepper. Let's find out how it helps.

Hypertension: Can black pepper lower blood pressure?

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The Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology reports that piperine a compound found in black pepper can help in controlling high blood pressure. You can sprinkle black pepper on foods and salad to reap the benefits.

If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart diseases
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: Hypertension: Can Yoga Reduce Blood Pressure? Know 5 Best Yoga Poses For High Blood Pressure

Nutritionist Ms. Sweedal Trinidade explains the relation between high blood pressure and pepper. She also explains the pros and cons of consuming black pepper. Here are some details she shared-

"High blood pressure is a condition in which there is higher than normal systolic or diastolic pressure in the blood vessels. Along with medications, there are dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH diet) which involves typical low sodium and high fiber diet that helps in controlling hypertension/high blood pressure," she said

A low-salt diet also needs to be combined with adequate potassium hence fruits, vegetables, pulses, low-fat dairy or fish (omega 3 sources) come to your rescue.

Also read: Hypertension Prevention: Try Cardamom To Control High Blood Pressure, Here's How It Works

A pinch of pepper is often used to add extra flavor to food. This regular flavoring agent also contributes to better heart health though in bits.

Pros:

1. Improves digestion
2. Black pepper stimulates hydrochloric acid in the stomach which helps in better digestion. Good digestion contributes to improved metabolic rate which promotes weight loss.
3. Regulation of high blood pressure
4. It is a rich source of potassium which helps in controlling the heart rate and is useful in regulating blood pressure. Piperine also helps in controlling high blood pressure (dosage needs to be considered)

Use black pepper in restricted quantity to lower blood pressure numbers
Photo Credit: iStock

Cons:

It is very important to consider the following to derive nutritional benefits:

1. Dosage should be monitored carefully
2. In large quantity, it may irritate the stomach or cause a burning sensation

Black pepper is a versatile ingredient that can be added to a variety of recipes; about 20 mg of piperine is safe in daily usage however this requires more research data for a conclusion.

Also read: High Blood Pressure Remedies: These Teas Can Lower Your Blood Pressure Numbers Naturally

(Ms. Sweedal Trinidade, Clinical nutritionist, P.D Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim, Mumbai)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.