High blood pressure is a common health problem affecting millions of people across Canada and the rest of the world. It isn’t something to ignore either.
When the blood pressure remains high, it can cause damage to the eyes, heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. These complications of uncontrolled blood pressure usually occur over several decades, so it will not spring up overnight. To reduce the complications of high blood pressure, patients are usually prescribed blood pressure-lowering medications, which have to be taken for life.
However, many people are finding other natural ways to lower blood pressure, including the use of a variety of tea products. It is important for everyone to understand that tea is not a substitute for prescribed blood pressure lowering medication, but it can complement your medical treatment. Moreover, the good thing is that if you consume tea regularly, you can gradually decrease the need for blood pressure medications.
There are many types of teas that have been shown to lower blood pressure. Here are the eight best teas that experts say will help reduce high blood pressure:
1. Green Tea
Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, and it contains a number of antioxidants including epigallocatechin gallate and flavonoids.
Many studies have shown that regular consumption of green tea can open up blood vessels and lower the stress on the heart. Green tea also contains a small amount of caffeine, which is known to get rid of the excess water from the body, which also results in a lowering of blood pressure. Many patients with hypertension consume green tea regularly.
Not only does it help manage blood pressure, but it also provides several other benefits such as weight control and regulation of the digestive system. Green tea is often known as the best tea for high blood pressure.
2. Oolong Tea
This tea is a subtype of black tea extracted from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis leaves. There are many types of oolong tea that vary both in taste and aroma. Studies from China indicate that regular consumption of oolong tea can also lower blood pressure, which is primarily because of the caffeine content. The caffeine acts to induce urination, which gets rid of the excess water, thus it is one of the best teas for lowering high blood pressure.
Oolong tea is believed to provide other benefits as well, though these are not scientifically proven. These include weight control, prevention of cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and benefits to our immune system.
3. Chamomile Tea
This is another popular beverage derived from the leaves of the Asteraceae plant family. Unlike other teas, it has a relatively low content of caffeine and has a sweet taste. Besides calming the nerves, it is also known to open up the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
4. Garlic Tea
Garlic tea is actually an herbal tonic that is often used to treat symptoms of the flu. However, garlic tea is also known to drop blood pressure slightly. It does not contain caffeine, and it is believed that garlic acts as an antioxidant and protect the blood vessels from damage.
5. Nettle Tea
Derived from the stinging nettle plant, this tea has been used for centuries to treat fluid overload. The leaves and stems of the nettle plant can also be consumed in a salad as this can also have a positive impact on blood pressure control. It should be noted that it is important to take a small amount of nettle tea as it can cause adverse effects on the abdomen.
6. Pu’er Tea
This is a type of fermented tea from China which is known for its potent antioxidant activity. It is important to buy pu’er tea, which is fresh. The older the tea, the higher the content of fluorine, which can damage bones – and that is something you never want to happen.
7. Hibiscus Tea
This tea is derived from the coloured sepals of the Roselle flower. The tea can be consumed hot or cold. Apart from reducing stress, this tea can also decrease tension on the heart and prevent damage to the blood vessels.
8. Peppermint Tea
Consuming hot peppermint tea reduces the overall temperature of the body and allows the body to relax and alleviate inflammation. These anti-inflammatory properties also help in cutting your blood pressure by up 20 percent.
Not many of us are tea drinkers. We are like the quintessential private detective Philip Marlowe, who always said he liked his coffee “rich, strong, bitter, boiling hot, ruthless, depraved.” But perhaps it is time to take a break from black liquid euphemistically referred to as coffee and take enjoy a cup of tea.
There are many types of teas, and most teas provide benefits to our body. However, it is important not to rely on just one food or beverage for good health. If you want to lower blood pressure, you should eat a healthy diet, discontinue smoking, engage in physical activity, and adhere to your prescription medicines. Teas should be used as a supplemental treatment.
