6 Habits to Lower High Blood Pressure

The second Nurses Health Study has identified six dietary habits that reduce high blood pressure in women by almost 80%.

The Nurses Health Study includes 83,882 adult women between the ages of 27 to 44 years-old. Researchers analyzed data to determine if there was a connection between a healthy lifestyle and high blood pressure prevention.

Here are the six diet and lifestyle factors researchers identified to decrease high blood pressure risk in women.

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Heart Disease and Agent Orange

What is Agent Orange?

Agent Orange was used in Vietnam between 1961 and 1971. It is a specific blend of herbicides used to remove leaves from trees in the thick jungle canopy which may hide enemy forces.. Many Vietnam veterans were exposed to the Agent Orange herbicides.

How is Agent Orange Linked to Heart Disease

The Agent Orange Act of 1991 was passed by Congress due to uncertainty surrounding the health effects of Agent Orange exposure on Vietnam veterans. This act led the Institute of Medicine to review scientific and medical information connecting Agent Orange exposure to health effects.

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Health Care Reform – Healthy Aging Program and Child Obesity Program

Here’s a few details on how the Health Care Reform Bill impacts the Healthy Aging Program and funds the Child Obesity Demonstration Project.

Healthy Aging: Preventive Services for Adults 55-64

A grant program for state and local health departments and Indian tribes will be established. The grant will be used to provide public health interventions, preventive screenings, and referral/treatment for chronic diseases for individuals 55-64 years-old. Some of the intervention activities include improved nutrition and increased physical activity levels.

Child Obesity Demonstration Project

The Child Obesity Demonstration Project will be fully funded with $25 million. The goal of the project will be to reduce childhood obesity in community-based settings, including schools. The project will provide education, counseling and training activities.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Heart Healthy Tips
http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com

2 Foods to Lower High Blood Pressure

Here are two foods containing nutrients that will promote a lower blood pressure:

1. Garlic

Garlic is a source of allicin, which has been shown to lower blood pressure. Around 10,000 mg of allicin (~4 garlic cloves) is needed daily for a blood pressure lowering effect. Studies show the average reduction in systolic blood pressure to be 5-8 mm Hg. Important to note – not all forms of garlic are equal! Cultivated garlic, aged garlic, wild cultivated garlic, fresh garlic, and long-acting garlic preparations have variable effects.

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Lower LDL Cholesterol with Pistachios

I think it’s fairly well known that walnuts provide some heart health benefits, but were you aware pistachio’s can be a good choice as well?

Pistachios are a good source of many nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of pistachios provides:

170 calories
6 grams protein
2.9 grams fiber
73.4 mg omega 3 fatty acids
59.9 mg phytosterols

Pistachios are also a good source of copper, manganese, vitamin B6, thiamin, magnesium, and phosphorous. They also provide lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids associated with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration.

But, how do pistachios positively impact cholesterol and heart health?

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Sex, Lies, and Cholesterol

Dr. Ryan Bentley, president of The Wellness Prescription, is one of the featured experts for the teleseries intensive Conversations with the Masters of Healing starting next week!

Dr. Ryan Bentley will be sharing:

  • Why cholesterol may NOT be the culprit of heart disease as previously thought,
  • The reason statins are being implicated for a number of serious side effects,
  • What’s the connection between sexual dysfunction and low cholesterol, and
  • Using functional medicine to diagnose heart disease and treat the whole person versus just a symptom.

Register for this call with Dr. Bentley HERE
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