10 Spices and Herbs that Lower Blood Pressure
Healthy eating has a bland reputation. Not that it’s completely unearned. We’ve all suffered through a flavorless, heart-healthy meal. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. There’s a whole world of heart-healthy flavor out there. All it takes to discover it is a quick trip to your spice cabinet (or your local grocer).
To get you started on your journey to healthy eating with some spice, here are ten herbs and spices that will keep you from reaching for the salt:
Cinnamon
Odds are cinnamon has you thinking sweet thoughts, but this spice has a lot more versatility. This warming spice is good at getting your blood vessels to chill and improve blood flow, which is a good thing for your blood pressure and overall heart health.
Ginger
This versatile spice has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. A natural calcium channel blocker, ginger is a great way to naturally reduce your blood pressure.
Nutmeg
Rounding out our trilogy of classic, sweet and savory holiday spices is possibly the most versatile of them all. Nutmeg is packed with antioxidants and has a slew of anti-inflammatory properties, which have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
Cardamom
Another sweet and savory option you may not be as familiar with is cardamom. This antioxidant-rich spice is still relatively new in the world of scientific studies. However, early findings are promising, and show that it has the potential to safely reduce blood pressure through its diuretic properties.
Thyme
In addition to being something we could all use more of, thyme (the herb) is really good for your heart. Studies have shown thyme can reduce blood sugar and increase blood flow. Both of which are good for your heart. Also, it contains compounds which have been shown to reduce blood pressure.
Basil
This common herb is anything but common when it comes to heart health. Sweet basil can help to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. It may also have calcium channel blocker properties.
Garlic
Not only is it good for keeping vampires at a distance, garlic also boasts properties that ward off hypertension and heart disease. In fact, studies have found that garlic can have a similar effect to some blood pressure medications.
Mint
After all that garlic talk, you (and anyone in your vicinity) will be happy to hear that mint also has some heart health benefits. This antioxidant-rich leaf helps protect your cells from damage and reduce your risk of heart disease. Plus, it comes in tea form, making it a fairly easy addition to your daily routine.