Zee Media Bureau


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New Delhi: High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a common condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.


High blood pressure is known as 'silent killer' because this condition usually doesn't cause symptoms until it has done significant damage to the heart.


Normal blood pressure reading should be less than 120/80 mm Hg. Anyone whose blood pressure is consistently at or 140/90mmhg is said to have hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension in India is said to range from 20-40% in urban adults and 12-17% among rural adults.


Experts warned that hypertension is likely to end up being an epidemic in the near future if not controlled. Long term high blood pressure is also a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, vision loss and chronic kidney disease.


But taking simple measures - which include eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, taking alcohol in moderation - can help to cut your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.


Besides making lifestyle changes, there are also natural remedies that can help control blood pressure effectively, even without medication. Here are some of them:


Garlic



Garlic is a miracle herb that has been used to reduce cholesterol levels in your body which is the main culprit behind hypertension. Garlic contains hydrogen sulfide that could help lower blood pressure and be beneficial in diseases of the blood vessels that occur with aging and diabetes.


Lemons



Lemons help to keep blood vessels soft by removing rigidity, thereby reducing blood pressure. Also, the vitamin C content in lemon can help lower the risk of heart disease.


Bananas



Bananas are rich in potassium, which is an important mineral that controls the balance of fluids in the body and helps to lower blood pressure. Other potassium-rich foods include potatoes, dates, and avocados. Studies have shown that consuming banana daily can help lower blood pressure.


Celery leaves



Celery may reduce blood pressure due to the presence of 3-N-butylphthalide in it – a phytochemical compound that helps in reducing high BP.


Curry leaves



Curry leaves are an effective remedy for hypertension. Low on salt and high on potassium, curry leaves are said to contain strong medicinal effect for the treatment of high blood pressure.