I’m talking about blood pressure of course! High blood pressure can be a diabetes-related condition and unfortunately one that can cause significant health problems if not treated properly.
So many people suffer from high blood pressure, and the connection between diabetes and high blood pressure is high.
What’s Considered High Blood Pressure
You know those blood pressure readings you get at the doctor? Well, they are an important indicator of the health of your heart. But what is classified as high blood pressure?
For people with diabetes, doctors recommend keeping blood pressure readings below 135/80. A “normal” blood pressure reading is considered 120/80.
The first number is called the systolic blood pressure which indicates the pressure as your blood pushes through your heart. The second number refers to your diastolic blood pressure which indicates the pressure that the arteries maintain between heartbeats.
The Power of Garlic
If you tend to have higher blood pressure readings, and your doctor has discussed dietary and lifestyle measures to attempt to bring it down, here’s one more way to help support healthy blood pressure readings.
Garlic has been known for its cardio-supportive benefits for quite some time, maybe as far back as ancient times and continues to be used for that exact reason today.
A compound in garlic called allicin is responsible for the blood pressure lowering mechanism. A review study published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders in 2008 found that the higher the blood pressure starting out, the greater impact garlic may have in lowering blood pressure.
Pretty impressive, right?
Plus, who doesn’t love the aromatic flavor garlic has to offer? It adds a wonderful flavor to sauces, soups, stir fry’s, and so much more that it’s very easy to get into the diet and could significantly help your blood pressure readings.
How Much Garlic Per Day?
Fresh or dried garlic all have the ability to provide you with blood pressure reducing allicin, and if you choose to have fresh garlic, you will need to consume about 1/10 to ½ of a clove per day. Yes, that’s it! Keep in mind that too much garlic can be detrimental when combined with certain medications.
Be sure to speak with your physician before adding garlic to your blood pressure supporting regimen.
You can use garlic in so many different recipes. Here are a couple of creative ways to help you get started:
- Mix garlic in with a homemade tomato sauce
- Mashed into a garlic paste to use as a veggie dip
- Blended in homemade hummus
- Mixed in homemade pesto
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