Lower Your Blood Pressure Reading By Adding Flaxseed To Your Daily Diet

High blood pressure occurs when blood places an extra strain on artery walls and the heart. Over time, this additional strain damages delicate arterial tissues and can result in fatal cardiovascular conditions. Luckily, simple diet changes like eating a particular superfood can lower high blood pressure reading.

Include Flaxseed

Long used in Asian and some European dishes, flaxseed has been proven to be very effective in lowering blood pressure. The Hypertension journal published a Canadian study that revealed those who added to their daily diet around thirty grams of flaxseed enjoyed a drop in their systolic blood pressure by an average of 15mm Hg. Their diastolic blood pressure also dropped an average of eight mm Hg. Systolic is the top number, while diastolic is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.

​

In the study, researchers revealed that blood pressure levels decreased in persons who added flaxseed in their meals. They also said results point out the risk of such persons having strokes went down by at least 50% while the risk of heart attacks also decreased by 30%.

Similar studies also indicate that consuming flaxseeds with daily meals for over three months can lower blood pressure by at least two mmHg. Although the amount may seem only a little, evidence points out that reduction by two mmHg in blood pressure also decreases the risk of suffering a fatal stroke by at least 10% and from heart disease by at least seven percent.

On the other hand, those who take placebo supplements saw their systolic blood pressure slightly go up while their diastolic pressure remained constant. As noted by Blood Pressure UK, the drop in systolic blood pressure is very important as this is the point where the heart starts squeezing blood to various parts of the body. Systolic pressure is the best determinant of whether a person is at a heightened risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

Other Foods

Flaxseeds, according to various medical studies, are a rich source of fiber. The National Health Service says that consuming a low-calorie diet, which includes lots of food rich in fiber, can help lower blood pressure. Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, at least five portions every day can also help a great deal in lowering blood pressure.