How Turmeric Can Help You Naturally Lower Blood Pressure

Turmeric's golden color is only one of the many reasons why people choose to include this ancient herb in their diets. This colorful spice has beneficial qualities scientifically studied for their ability to lower blood pressure naturally. Turmeric helps manage heart health by reducing the impact of specific metabolic conditions known to influence the vascular system negatively.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

High blood pressure increases a person's risk for developing coronary heart disease or having a stroke. Both of these medical issues often lead to an early death. According to the World Health Organization, coronary heart disease and stroke continue to hold top place for causing the most deaths worldwide. Maintaining normal blood pressure levels reduces the risk of early death, while promoting heart and vascular health. 

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension. It occurs when blood is consistently pushed against the walls of blood vessels at a high level of force. If left untreated, high blood pressure may lead to heart disease, stroke, or death. 

A blood pressure reading includes two numbers - the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure provides a look at how well the blood is pumped from the heart. The diastolic pressure reflects the pressure within the arteries in between heart beats. Normal blood pressure exists when the systolic/diastolic reading is 120/80 or less. High blood pressure refers to a reading that is higher than 140/80. Prehypertension falls in between normal and high readings. 

Turmeric Protects Heart and Vascular Health

Taking turmeric delivers beneficial qualities promoting heart and vascular health. It helps normalize blood pressure, keeping it within safe levels. As a result, turmeric keeps arteries strong by protecting them against the damage created by high blood pressure. 

Moreover, turmeric promotes healthy burning of calories through a process known as thermogenesis. Calories become energy for the body to use rather than turning into fatty deposits. 

Turmeric Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Inflammation enhances fat storage within the body. Fatty deposits within the vascular system increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. The larger the stores of fat within the arteries, the more difficult it is for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. This scenario causes an increase in a person's blood pressure readings. Turmeric reduces inflammation, partly because it encourages the process of turning calories into energy rather than fat.

Turmeric Lowers Cholesterol Levels

High levels of cholesterol often create plaque accumulation within the arteries. As cholesterol sticks to the inner sides of the arteries, your heart works harder to push blood throughout your body. Eventually, your heart and arteries sustain enough damage to put your life at risk. Taking sufficient levels of high quality turmeric lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke.

Turmeric Delivers Antioxidant Benefits

Antioxidants reduce the negative impact caused by free radicals occurring within the body. Essentially, antioxidants neutralize free radicals before they can cause any harm. Numerous studies agree that taking turmeric increases antioxidant levels within the body, promoting natural protection against free radicals.

Turmeric Guards Against Damage to the Blood Vessels

When a person has high blood pressure, the arteries often become damaged due to the force of the blood pumping through them. On the other hand, damaged or clogged arteries can cause high blood pressure to develop by forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Ideally, it is important to prevent vascular damage as well as to avoid developing hypertension.

A study published in Scientific Reports in 2016 found evidence that regular ingestion of turmeric's curcumin helps prevent the development of high blood pressure. The results indicate that curcumin protects the arteries from the kind of damage known to promote high blood pressure. When the arteries remain strong and healthy, it is less likely that high blood pressure will occur.

Turmeric Reduces Secondary Hypertension

Two forms of hypertension exist. With primary hypertension, the cause is undetermined. When secondary hypertension is involved, it is possible for physicians to identify the underlying cause. In many cases, secondary hypertension develops when one of more of the following circumstances exists:

• The individual gains too much weight and becomes obese.
• The individual is a heavy smoker.
• Family history and genetics promote the development of high blood pressure.
• The individual eats a diet rich in salt, fat, and calories and lacking in minerals and vitamins.
• The individual is physically inactive.
• A medical condition known to contribute to high blood pressure exists. This grouping includes hormone issues, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney problems, and thyroid impairments.
• As a person ages, hypertension becomes more likely to occur.

Turmeric Guards Against Damage Caused by Toxins

It is the job of the kidneys to filter toxins from the blood. Healthy kidneys perform this task well, whereas damaged or inflamed kidneys do not. Taking turmeric regularly enhances the health of the kidneys by lowering blood pressure and promoting proper filtration of dangerous toxins. Regular intake of turmeric also reduces inflammation throughout the body, aiding in keeping the kidneys fully functioning. As a result, turmeric helps protect the heart and vascular system against damage caused by toxins.

Turmeric Promotes Weight Loss

One of the first measures a physician suggests to patients with prehypertension is that they attempt to lose weight. People who are overweight are more likely to develop hypertension than individuals who maintain normal weight levels. Therefore, it makes sense to lose weight if you are overweight and beginning to see the signs of prehypertension. Studies show that turmeric helps to minimize fat accumulation. The same studies indicate that turmeric promotes the growth of vascular cells that are able to resist the accumulation of fat cells.

Best Benefits Obtained with a Level of 95% Curcuminoids

Much of the existing research on turmeric shows that supplements containing at least 95% curcuminoids offer the most promising benefits. Anything less than that percentage and the results from taking this type of supplement are likely to be less than anticipated. The reason is simple. Curcuminoids are the bioactive ingredients in turmeric that deliver their beneficial capabilities. They are the most important component of this ancient remedy. Therefore, it is essential that a turmeric supplement contains 95% curcuminoids to ensure its use proves beneficial.

BioPerine Enhances Absorption of Turmeric's Curcuminoids

In addition to choosing a turmeric supplement with a concentration of 95% curcuminoids, it is important to select a product that includes BioPerine. The human digestive system typically experiences difficulty absorbing turmeric. Adding black pepper into the formula enhances the body's ability to fully absorb the turmeric. Without this absorption, none of the benefits of turmeric and its curcuminoids would be experienced. 

BioPerine is the branded name of an extract taken from black pepper fruits. It has achieved patented status in its standardized form. BioPerine is recognized for its ability to make turmeric bioactively available for human absorption within the digestive system.

Blood Pressure Medications Have Side Effects

Physicians often prescribe blood pressure medications for patients experiencing hypertension. It is an important measure for anyone who cannot lower their blood pressure through diet and exercise. Unfortunately, this type of medication is sometimes accompanied by an array of side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea/constipation
• Weight loss or gain
• Cough
• Nervousness
• Tiredness
• Erection difficulties

When taken in proper dosages, turmeric does not have side effects. It is important to note that its use should not replace prescribed medications. However, turmeric can be taken as an accompaniment to an existing medication regimen as long as patients discuss this option with their physicians.

Patients with hypertension may be able to improve their heart and vascular health by including turmeric in their supplemental routines. Taking turmeric with a concentration of 95% curcuminoids and the additive BioPerine helps to normalize how the heart performs. Not only does quality turmeric lowers blood pressure but it protects the blood vessels from unwanted damage. It's important to note that normalizing blood pressure is only one of the many benefits offered by regular ingestion of turmeric.