Some say that the process of lowering blood pressure with medication is like inflating a balloon. Taking antihypertensive drugs only dilates the blood vessels, and after the effect wears off, the blood vessels constrict again, causing the blood pressure to rise once more. This may be the reason why patients with hypertension need to take medication for life. Moreover, over time, the walls of the blood vessels become thinner and more fragile, ultimately leading to symptoms such as stroke, hemiplegia, and cerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, relying solely on medication to lower blood pressure is not a good strategy; prevention should be prioritized, along with dietary therapy.
1 Buckwheat
Many people should have heard that buckwheat has blood pressure-lowering effects. Not only that, but buckwheat is rich in lysine, and its trace elements such as iron, manganese, and zinc are more abundant than in ordinary grains. It also contains a large amount of dietary fiber, which is ten times that of refined rice. Additionally, it includes vitamin E and soluble dietary fiber, as well as niacin and rutin (rutin). Rutin can lower blood lipids and cholesterol, soften blood vessels, protect vision, and prevent cerebral hemorrhages. Furthermore, buckwheat contains niacin, which can promote the body’s metabolism, enhance detoxification abilities, and has the effect of dilating small blood vessels and lowering blood cholesterol.
As for how to eat buckwheat, there are many ways. The most effective method is to make porridge. Wash the buckwheat and put it in a pot; you can add dates and corn kernels. The resulting porridge not only has double the health benefits but also boasts a smooth, soft, and delicious texture.
2 Gardenia Flowers
The emotional fluctuations of patients with high blood pressure can directly affect their blood pressure levels; this is not mere talk. Those who are often depressed or easily angered can experience fluctuating blood pressure. Therefore, maintaining stable emotions is a primary task for patients with hypertension. Drinking water infused with gardenia flowers can not only reduce depressive feelings but also effectively alleviate negative emotions. Additionally, gardenia flowers can provide heart protection.
When it comes to gardenia flowers, most people think of making herbal infusions, which is quite common. Next, I’ll share a new way to enjoy gardenia flowers: prepare your taste buds for gardenia chicken soup. Cut the chicken into pieces and wash it clean. Blanch the chicken in cold water to remove the odor, then transfer it to a clay pot. Add an appropriate amount of clean water, along with slices of green onion and ginger. After washing the gardenia flowers, place them in the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 2 hours on low heat. A pot of nourishing gardenia chicken soup is ready, with a unique flavor that will definitely surprise you. Try eating these two foods to lower blood pressure steadily, soften blood vessels, and lower cholesterol—you’ll regret not knowing this sooner.
