Natural remedies

 It makes your blood vessels soft and flexible, lowering the blood pressure level. Lemon contains a high amount of vitamin B which, upon regular consumption, helps prevent heart failure. High triglyceride levels in the blood can affect the liver and lead to weight gain, which may affect your blood pressure.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common lifestyle diseases today, with every third person suffering from it. A critical step in preventing and treating high blood pressure is making the right lifestyle choices, besides taking the prescribed medication. Here are some natural remedies that can help you reduce or control blood pressure:

n Lemon: It makes your blood vessels soft and flexible, lowering the blood pressure level. Lemon contains a high amount of vitamin B which, upon regular consumption, helps prevent heart failure. High triglyceride levels in the blood can affect the liver and lead to weight gain, which may affect your blood pressure. Lemon juice is known to keep cholesterol and triglyceride levels in check. It is also a mild diuretic that will keep your kidney in good health.

n Watermelon seeds: They contain a compound called cucurbocitrin, which helps widen the blood capillaries. At the same time, they also help improve kidney function. This in turn reduces blood pressure and prevents arthritis as well. Grind equal quantities of dried watermelon seeds and poppy seeds (khus khus). Take one teaspoon of this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach and again in the evening. Alternatively, add two teaspoons of gently crushed, dried watermelon seeds to one cup of boiled water. Steep it for about an hour, and then strain it. Take four tablespoons of this water at regular intervals throughout the day.

n Garlic: Both raw and cooked garlic help control high blood pressure and at the same time, reduce cholesterol levels. Garlic helps relax blood vessels by stimulating the production of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide. Eat one or two crushed garlic cloves daily. When crushed, garlic produces hydrogen sulfide, a compound that promotes good blood flow, removes gas and reduces the pressure on the heart. If you do not like eating raw garlic, take it with a cup of milk. You can also mix five or six drops of garlic juice in four teaspoons of water and take it twice a day.

n Banana: They are a rich source of potassium, which lessens the effect of sodium. Eat one or two bananas daily, along with dried apricots, raisins, currants, orange juice, spinach, zucchini, baked sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and winter squash.

n Celery: The high level of the phytochemical 3-N- butylphthalide present in celery greatly helps control high blood pressure. Phthalates help relax the muscles in and around arterial walls, thereby creating more space and allowing the blood to flow without difficulty. At the same time, it can help reduce the stress hormones that constrict blood vessels. Try to eat one stalk of celery along with a glass of water daily. If you prefer, you can munch on celery throughout the day.

(The author is a certified health and wellness coach)